Kiera O’Sullivan: a Christmas miracle after a severe accident
Six-year-old Kiera O’Sullivan is pictured on a family outing just 15 minutes before the serious accident occurred at the end of October.
Image: Netcare
A family outing in Ballito turned into a scene of terror when an accident left a young girl fighting for her life. Kiera O’Sullivan, a young girl, endured a grave head injury when a heavy log fell upon her, crushing part of her skull and facial structure.
“I will never forget the sound. At first, we thought our daughter Kiera was already gone – but our faith carried us,” her mother, Shaydeen O’Sullivan, recalled vividly.
Responding swiftly to the dire situation, a team from Netcare 911 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) sprang into action. Paramedic and base manager Navin Singh and emergency care practitioner Sibusisiwe Sibeko were on duty when the emergency call arrived.
“When we arrived on the scene, the seriousness of her injuries was clear. We assisted the paramedics from the first ambulance in stabilising Kiera sufficiently for transfer to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital," Sibeko explained. “Time was absolutely critical, and the air transfer allowed us to transport her in just 25 minutes instead of a potentially hazardous road journey that could have taken over an hour.”
Kiera loves farm life and dreams of being a “cowgirl” when she grows up. According to her mother, apart from a scar and her haircut, no one would guess the ordeal Kiera went through so recently.
Image: Netcare
At Netcare St Anne’s Hospital, a level 1 accredited trauma centre, a dedicated team, including trauma surgeon Dr Howard Wain and emergency physician Dr Steve Feris, were prepped for Kiera's arrival.
“I received advanced notification of the child being rushed to the hospital by helicopter,” said Dr Wain. He emphasised the remarkable nature of Kiera’s case, describing it as a beacon of hope that highlighted the resilience of her family through such harrowing times.
The log falling on Kiera’s head caused skull fractures and bruising to her brain. Neurosurgeon Dr Sandile Ngwenya explains that after surgery, she was kept in neuroprotection, a medically induced coma, in the intensive care unit (ICU) to allow her brain time to rest and heal from the injury.
Image: Netcare
A CT scan revealed the extent of Kiera's injuries, which included multiple facial fractures and severe brain bruising. The hospital's skilled residents, namely neurosurgeon Dr Sandile Ngwenya and maxillofacial surgeon Dr Ciaran Lalor, performed intricate surgeries to repair her fractured skull and reconstruct her face.
“The bruising on Kiera’s brain was quite severe. After surgery, she was moved to the intensive care unit for neuroprotection — a medically induced coma that allows her brain to rest and heal,” Dr Ngwenya elaborated.
Remarkably, Kiera's recovery was swift and impressive. “Kiera’s reconstruction went beautifully; she did well clinically,” he recalled. Just 12 days after the accident, Kiera returned home to Greytown, her family both amazed and relieved at her remarkable progress.
“Our prayers were answered, and by the grace of God, Kiera has been restored to us,” Shaydeen proclaimed.
Kiera’s parents’ prayers were answered when she showed rapid progress and was discharged home after only 12 days in Netcare St Anne’s Hospital.
Image: Netcare
“Except for her short hair and a scar, there’s virtually no sign of what she’s been through. She’s riding her bicycle again and loves being outdoors.” Kiera’s dreams now include becoming a cowgirl, showcasing her innate spirit resilient against adversity.
In reflection, Shaydeen and her family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical team at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital.
“We want to give glory to God for the miraculous recovery of our child. Our sincere thanks to Dr Ngwenya, Dr Wain, Dr Lalor, and everyone who prayed for Kiera,” her parents expressed.
Their heartwarming story gives pause to what truly matters, especially as the O'Sullivan family prepares for a heartfelt Christmas celebration at home.