Family of tradie who died in workplace accident thank first responders
The Bryant family said the efforts of paramedics allowed them to say goodbye to Nic and consent to organ donation. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
In short:
The family of Nic Bryant, who died in a workplace accident, have been reunited with the first responders, where they thanked them for ultimately allowing him to donate his organs.
The 25-year-old was working as a rigger at a Wollongong construction site last May when he sustained fatal injuries.
Safe Work New South Wales is still investigating his death.
Amber Bryant lost her brother in a workplace accident only three months ago, but thanks to the efforts of first responders, she was able to say goodbye before his death.
Nic Bryant from Umina, on the Central Coast, was working as a rigger at a North Wollongong construction site in May when he was fatally injured.
Paramedic Adam Blanning and others worked extensively to stabilise the 25-year-old before he was flown to St George Hospital, where he died three days later.
The Bryant family said Nic was a beloved brother, son, partner and father who would "give the shirt off his back" for others. (Supplied: NSW Ambulance)
Ms Bryant, her siblings Jayda and Sam, and Mr Bryant's girlfriend, Macey Cooper, visited the Fairy Meadow crew yesterday where they thanked them for their work.
"Because of them, other people get to live and live full lives," Ms Bryant said.
"What they [paramedics] do really matters in our society. I really felt this urge to thank them because without them, we wouldn't have been able to say goodbye."
Amber Bryant said despite their large age-gap, her brother was a huge part of her life. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
Amid their grief, the family said they have found comfort knowing Mr Bryant's heart, kidneys, pancreas and liver are now improving the lives of four people.
"We've heard that all of them are doing really, really well," Ms Bryant said.
"Even doctors have said to be able to help so many people is such a rare thing, as some people only get to donate one or two organs.
"I just hope they get to live their best life and make the most of every day."
Sam Bryant (left), Macey Cooper and Amber Bryant said thanking paramedics who helped Nic was an important part of their grieving process. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
Ms Bryant said because of her brother's young age and sudden death, organ donation was never explicitly discussed.
"But I know he would have turned around and said, 'Well, I'm not using them.' So it was no questions asked. I just said, 'Take what you can,'" she said.
Ms Cooper said he was the "most loving man you could ever come across".
"He was funny, loud, energetic; my six-foot teddy bear."
In the weeks before his death, Ms Cooper said her partner was commuting a total of four hours a day to work in Wollongong to a job "he absolutely loved".
Safe Work New South Wales is still investigating Mr Bryant's death.
Rare meeting
Mr Blanning was one of the paramedics who responded to Mr Bryant's injury, an all-too-familiar scene in his line of work.
Adam Blanning and Norm Rees said patient family reunions are rare career moments. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
He said meeting the Bryant family was a rewarding opportunity.
"We don't often receive thanks, particularly in this case where there has been a poor outcome for the family and a great outcome for other families,"Mr Blanning said.
"It's great to know they appreciate our efforts."
In his four decades in the job, NSW Ambulance Chief Inspector Norm Rees recalls only four times when he has been reunited with the family of a person who died.
"Everyone needs closure," Chief Inspector Rees said.
"But [the Bryant family] are to be acknowledged for the donation."
The Bryant family said Nic enjoyed his job and embraced Wollongong as his second home. (Supplied: NSW Ambulance)
In the lead-up to Donate Life Week later this month, Ms Bryant urged people not only to register to be a donor, but to let their family know their wishes.
"It just helps in such sad times … knowing your loved one is helping other people."
