American undergoes life-saving surgery after horrific injury at popular beach

Max Allen was just two days into his one-year working visa when he suffered a horrific injury at a popular Sydney beach.The 23-year-old from Arizona was exploring Balmoral beach on September 6 with his Aussie mates when they decided to go for a morning dip.While wading through waist-deep water, he dived forward and unknowingly struck a hidden sandbar, fracturing his C5 vertebra.He was rushed to the hospital, where he had to undergo lifesaving surgery – making it just in time.The six-hour operation at Royal North Shore Hospital involved removing the fractured vertebra, performing a bone graft, and securing his neck with plates and screws.James Allen, Max’s dad, flew from the US the following day to be by his son’s side.

His mom, Julie, flew over a few days later.He told news.com.au he and his wife are incredibly thankful to the off-duty lifeguard who rushed to Max’s side, the emergency responders who were just down the road, and the incredible trauma team at the hospital.“I got a call on the Friday, the 5th (of September), US time – it was about 8.30 pm and Julie and I were sitting outside on the patio.The call was actually from Max himself,” Allen said.“I thought he was calling to check in on us, but he said he was getting ready to go into surgery after breaking his neck.”Allen said he didn’t believe his son at first, as he can be a bit of a joker.“The surgeon then picked up the phone and explained what was happening and that it was a life-changing injury.”The medical team had to fuse max’s C5 vertebra by taking bone from his hip.

After surgery, Max was placed in the ICU, sedated, and intubated, since the C5 nerves control breathing.“We waited until 3 am to hear from the surgeon,” Allen said.Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

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