BATON ROUGE- Nearly two weeks after sustaining severe injuries in a fatal crash in Pointe Coupee Parish, Acadian Ambulance paramedic Hunter Fruge has started rehabilitation.
Fruge, who spent several days in the ICU following the June 27 collision, underwent successful surgery to address his pelvis. Porter Taylor, Acadian Ambulance’s Director of Operations, informed UWK that much of Fruge’s rehabilitation focuses on caring for himself while in a sitting position until his pelvic bone fully heals.
“It’s tough and painful but it’s getting better everyday,” Taylor said. “I think his spirits are great. He’s young and a hard worker, and he has a great support system.”
Taylor says Fruge began physical therapy Saturday, and he’ll go through rehab three hours a day. The regimen involves learning how to transition from the bed to a wheelchair and from a wheelchair to a recliner. Taylor explained that Fruge will not be able to put any pressure on the soles of his feet until at least August.
Deadly crash
Fruge, aged 24, was in the back of the ambulance with a patient when it collided with a Coca-Cola big rig on June 27. Tragically, his partner Kymber Nezat, the ambulance driver, lost her life in the crash. Nezat, who was seven weeks pregnant, also lost her baby in the accident. A public celebration of life, open to both colleagues and the general public, is scheduled for July 12th.
Read More: Two killed in Pointe Coupee Parish crash after ambulance crashes into semi
The ambulance’s patient, Albert Bordelon, who had just undergone surgery, also succumbed to his injuries.
Both Fruge and the Coca-Cola truck driver were airlifted to OLOL in Baton Rouge.
Read More: Injured paramedic Hunter Fruge’s pelvis surgery went well
Since the incident, many of you have been closely following Fruge’s recovery. On July 6, UWK shared a photograph of him sitting on the edge of his hospital bed, symbolizing the start of his next chapter – regaining his strength and learning to walk again.
Taylor says that Fruge’s spirits remain remarkably positive, and the entire Acadian Ambulance team is grateful for the unwavering support received from the public and neighboring agencies.
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