Acquired Brain Injury from Road Traffic Accidents, Stories of Survival & Support

Understanding Acquired Brain Injury from Road Accidents

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to brain damage that occurs after birth and is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. One of the most common causes in the UK is road traffic accidents, where the impact can lead to traumatic injuries requiring extensive care and rehabilitation.

“We specialise in supporting children, young people and adults with complex and clinical needs, including acquired and traumatic brain injury”— Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield

Common Challenges Following Road-Related ABI

Individuals affected by road accidents often experience:

Tracheostomy or airway support
Mobility limitations
Speech and cognitive challenges
Psychological impacts such as PTSD or anxiety

The transition from hospital to home care can be complex. As the Caremark team puts it, their goal is to “bring calm, consistent practice to complex situations”, ensuring the person can safely return home with the right structures in place.

Immediate & Long-Term Needs

Type of Support	Examples
Clinical Care	Tracheostomy management, PEG feeding
Rehabilitation	Standing, writing, speaking, and cognitive tasks
Social Reintegration	Returning to school, community involvement
Family & Psychological Support	Mental health, emotional reassurance

Jesse’s Story - Recovery After a Road Traffic Collision

Jesse sustained a life-changing acquired brain injury in September 2021 following a road traffic accident. His injuries required significant medical interventions, including a tracheostomy to support stable breathing and a PEG to meet his nutritional and hydration needs.

Before Jesse returned home, Caremark’s Support Workers completed client-specific tracheostomy training and spent time with him in the hospital. This enabled a smoother transition into a 24-hour care package and ensured the team understood his medical needs and communication style.

“The biggest challenge at the outset was ensuring his team of Support Workers were fully trained in tracheostomy management” – Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield

Key Aspects of Jesse’s Early Recovery

Airway stability – Tracheostomy management and ongoing monitoring

Nutrition & hydration – PEG feeding oversight

Transition home – Planned mobilisation with trained Support Workers

Specialist rehabilitation – Continuation of routines established in the hospital

After months of assessments and sleep studies, Jesse’s airway stabilised sufficiently for the safe removal of his tracheostomy. This marked a significant milestone and enabled him to return home to Rotherham, supported by his mother and the Caremark team.

Jesse has since made progress, including attending school each day, standing independently for short periods, writing simple words, and participating in community outings. None of this would have been possible without his incredible mum, our Support Workers, Case Leaders, and the other professionals involved in his care.

Jane’s Story - Long-Term ABI and Mental Health Awareness

Jane has lived with the effects of an acquired brain injury since a road accident in 1990. In 2021, her condition was further complicated by the amputation of a leg due to a blood disorder.

She also has a history of mental health difficulties, with a key trigger being “the sound of hearing sirens from emergency vehicles or seeing police officers, as it reminds her of the time she spent in the hospital”. This makes trauma-informed care essential. Caremark ensures Support Workers are specifically trained to support her safely in the community.

Jane’s Tailored TBI Care Plan Looks Like

Support Area	Caremark’s Approach
Mental Health Awareness	Training staff to recognise and manage specific triggers
Respite for Family	Weekly support to allow Jane’s husband to rest
Social Connection	Encouraging participation in events and community life
Personal Interests	Crafting, films, singing, board games, self-care

Jane now attends community events, enjoys crafting, and has formed bonds with her support team. In one instance, she made Loom Band bracelets and gifted them to a young client she met, demonstrating how social engagement supports wellbeing. She also enjoys “coffee and cake”, “watching Mamma Mia films”, and “having her nails painted and hair braided”.

How Caremark Supports Individuals with ABI

Caremark’s approach is rooted in client-specific care, staff stability, and measurable outcomes. With a staff retention rate over 95% and a focus on safe, person-centred mobilisation, their service prioritises continuity and readiness over scaling.

“We won’t scale care unless it’s safe, reliable and person-centred.”- Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield

Caremark’s ABI Support Core Components

Caremark supports individuals with ABI through carefully matched Support Workers who are hand-picked and matched to each client’s needs. Staff receive targeted training in tracheostomy care, PEG feeding, mental health, and other complex needs.

Their approach to onboarding is structured with “no shortcuts”, ensuring a safe transition into care. Oversight is maintained through 24/7 coverage, co-produced plans, and real-time care notes.

Caremark also works closely with legal, health and social care professionals:

“We regularly collaborate with solicitors, deputies, independent case managers, ICB/LA teams and wider MDTs”- Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield

This ensures that all ABI care packages align with wider goals, funding structures, and clinical oversight.

Our Role in Supporting Brain Injury Survivors

Brain Injury Group, we connect ABI survivors and their families with:

“We aim to help our clients to live well at home, stay engaged in education, participate in their community, and truly thrive and enjoy their lives”.

Road Safety Week & Raising Awareness to Prevent Future Injury

Each year, Road Safety Week highlights the importance of reducing the number of serious injuries caused by traffic accidents, including acquired brain injuries. Sharing stories like Jesse’s and Jane’s brings visibility to the lasting effects such events can have on individuals and families.

We use this week to promote:

Community education
Preventive strategies
Policy engagement
Survivor-led storytelling

As advocates for those affected by ABI, we believe that sharing knowledge and supporting preventative action can help reduce future harm while building a more supportive system for those already affected.