In a landmark medical achievement showcasing the high preparedness and advanced capabilities of the UAE's healthcare system, specialized teams at Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, affiliated with Emirates Health Services (EHS), have successfully performed a complex and delicate surgical intervention to save the Australian powerboat racer Damon Cohen.
Cohen was admitted to the hospital following a serious accident during the qualifying rounds of the Sharjah Grand Prix powerboat race. His boat suffered a powerful impact at the first turn, resulting in a violent collision and a double rollover. Emergency rescue teams transported him immediately to the hospital's emergency department.
Advanced clinical assessments and CT scans revealed multiple complex fractures in his lumbar spine, including bone fragments within the spinal canal and significant narrowing that posed a direct threat to his neurological and motor functions. The force of the impact also caused fluid accumulation in his lungs.
Upon arrival, the hospital activated its protocols for complex trauma cases. A multidisciplinary team of consultant specialists swiftly developed an urgent treatment plan, leading to a precise surgical procedure to repair the damaged vertebrae, decompress the spinal canal, and stabilize the fractures.
The surgery was a complete success, attributed to the hospital's technical readiness, advanced infrastructure, and the specialized expertise of its surgical staff. The patient's condition is now stable, his vital signs have been restored, and he is currently receiving rehabilitative care in the Intensive Care Unit. He is expected to be discharged in the next few days.
Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, Director of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah stated: "Successfully managing this critical case for a world-class athlete reflects the strategic vision of Emirates Health Services to provide integrated and proactive healthcare. Al Qassimi Hospital serves as a key referral center for complex sports injuries and major accidents, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading, safe, and reliable destination for medical tourism and international sporting events."
The medical team highlighted that the primary challenge was managing the fragmented fractures and spinal canal narrowing with extreme precision to prevent long-term neurological complications. "The speed of surgical intervention and the use of the latest advanced spinal surgery technologies were crucial to this positive outcome," the team noted. "The patient is now in stable health, with high morale and a positive response to his treatment and rehabilitation program."
This achievement adds to Al Qassimi Hospital's record of medical accomplishments, demonstrating its readiness and the proficiency of its staff in handling highly complex cases. It underscores the advancement of the national healthcare system in meeting the highest global standards and solidifies international confidence in the UAE's healthcare services.