CARLYLE — Carlyle resident Blaze Dunn was involved in a serious bicycle accident on Aug. 16.  

At his home on First Street West, Dunn rode his bike down his driveway onto the street and into the side of a moving half-tonne truck.  

The accident happened at 5:20 p.m. Blaze’s father Perry rushed him to the Arcola Health Centre. Shortly thereafter, he was returned by ambulance to the Carlyle Airport where he was transported by airplane to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. He arrived there at 11 p.m.  

A five-hour surgery began first thing the next morning. 

Blaze broke both his humerus bone and his femur bone. The femur, or thigh bone, was broken in six places and the assortment of screws and a plate will have to be surgically removed in the coming months and years.  

Blaze was born to Perry and Carole-Lyne Dunn in 2014. He has had several medical issues in his young life and this recent surgery was his fifth. Fortunately for the family, Blaze has been recovering from his accident in record time. The doctors in Saskatoon were astounded at his extremely high pain tolerance.  

Blaze was permitted to come home under his mother’s supervision one full week ahead of schedule. Prior to moving to Carlyle, Carole-Lyne worked in Ontario for 13 years, providing home care for individuals with disabilities.  

The Dunns had nothing but praise for the Saskatchewan health-care system and the quality of its pediatrics program.  

“The care and attention we received at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon was fantastic,” said Carole-Lyne. “The doctors and staff were top notch and second to none. Blaze, Perry and I are very thankful for the excellent care we received.”  

“We are also grateful for the prompt attention we received at the Arcola Health Centre. The two ambulance attendants that drove from Wawota were exceptional,” added Perry.  

The Dunns were also thankful that Blaze was riding his bicycle with his helmet on.  

“Without the helmet, doctors advised us that Blaze could have incurred a traumatic head injury, resulting in either permanent disability or even death. We were extremely fortunate,” said Carole-Lyne.  

While Blaze started Grade 3 this week in a wheelchair, he has a very upbeat and positive attitude. He has many friends who just gravitate towards him and his personality. His parents feel that he is a born leader in the making.  

Blaze blames only himself for the accident. He offered this safety tip to all his school friends and to everyone in general.  

“When riding your bike, stop, look both ways, and have your helmet on. Play safe and stay safe,” he said.