Tim Haslam, a fellow farmer from Popanyinning, talked about surviving a bushfire experience that changed his life. Today, he bears the scars of deep burns and a new commitment to awareness. On December 20, 2023, while working on his farm, Haslam faced an unexpected and devastating event that would change his life forever.
On that fateful day, Haslam was dressed in board shorts and a tee shirt. Around him, a fire started quickly growing in intensity. The wind was quite gentle at 12 kms/hour. This light wind was one more factor that made the fire so surprising. Due to his miscalculations, he put himself in danger by exiting his vehicle during the fire. This seemingly innocuous decision was the catalyst for a series of very bad events.
I got out of the ute and I just ran, probably four or five steps. I tripped and landed hands-first into the burning barley stubble,” Haslam recounted. This decision led to burns on 38 percent of his body. After the accident, emergency services helicoptered him to Perth for immediate care.
A Harrowing Journey
For Tim Haslam, the ordeal didn’t end with those first injuries. He was in a coma for seven days and went through 15 surgeries to recover his severe burns. The injuries were life-threatening. He had the tips of all his fingers burned off, and the corners of his mouth were melted shut from the flames.
Undoubtedly, I was given a second chance, Haslam stated. I have a wonderful quality of life. All of this is due in no small part to the amazing work accomplished by Fiona Wood and her team. His time at Fiona Stanley Hospital proved to be pivotal in his recovery, where he received what he described as “by far the best burns unit in the world.”
By meeting these two leaders, we were given a strong reminder by Haslam’s experience how unpredictable the fire-related incident can be. He urges others to take precautions during the harvest season, stating, “I urge people for the period of harvest just wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.”
Community Support and Recovery
During his long recovery, Haslam’s wife Sally and the larger farm community played a large role in his recovery. Her steadfast support has been critical to his continued rehab and recovery. In a display of solidarity, Haslam’s neighbor organized a working bee to help finish the remaining crop after the incident.
There were four or five headers, trucks. They all showed up to complete the last of the harvest and consume my grog. Haslam writes, adding how thankful he’s been by their community’s response so far through this difficult time.
While Haslam, after the successful treatment, has resumed his farming work, he has curbed his previously active lifestyle as he still experiences pain. “I do all my farm jobs. I do them fairly slowly and it is quite painful, but is that age, arthritis or burns-related?” he pondered.
Reflecting on Safety
The traumatic experience has left Haslam with not only physical scars but valuable lessons about safety in farming. He’s certainly more aware of wind direction when he’s out in the field now. “Now while I am harvesting, I will always look at the wind direction and where it is coming from,” he noted.
His journey to success is a true tale of resilience that uplifts all. Beyond its personal story, it brings attention to the dire need for safety improvements in the agricultural industry. The fire that changed his life has ignited a passion for sharing his experience with others to prevent similar incidents.
It really could happen in a blink and it might be you. It changes your life forever. And everybody thinks, oh well, it could never happen to me,” Haslam cautioned. He noted the need to increase awareness and preparedness within farming settings.
