The risks to the life of a 46-year-old accident victim in a coma could be greater if flown out of the country for a medical procedure, says Acting Director of General Health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen.

SWA employee Feagaigafou Taulia was a passenger in the front seat of a Samoa Water Authority vehicle when it crashed over a week ago in Savaii. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) National Hospital.

Tagaloa said operating on Taulia at this stage could be fatal.

“He’s in a comatose state and on ventilators at the moment,” said Tagaloa. “I believe the risk of operating now versus later is much higher for his recovery. Our doctors have already sent the CT films overseas for a second opinion, and we’ve received advice from specialists.”

He said the overseas specialists agreed there was no need for immediate surgery; however, he did not specify which country.

“That's the type of operation that's usually done on the head. It is not needed to do any operations at this stage, and it's advisable to continue conservative management in the sense that most likely there's a swelling in the brain,” said Tagaloa. “So until that resolves, then we will see what the next steps are. My recommendations from overseas are that there's no need to operate. So the risk to him is higher.”

When asked where the scans were sent, Tagaloa said, “There’s no indication for any craniotomy surgery, and it is recommended to continue supportive treatment and prevent any infections or complications.”

Family members told the Samoa Observer they were advised to consider sending Taulia overseas for treatment, but Tagaloa said no medical evacuation (medivac) had been discussed.

“According to the doctors, that hasn't been discussed. There's no discussion of any medivac,” he said. “Even if we plan a medivac, the risk is higher because he's not going to survive any flights. So, unless he becomes stable and able to withstand changes in pressure while flying, then that will be considered later on. But at the moment, the recommendation is no.”

Tagaloa said doctors have already spoken with Taulia’s wife to explain his condition and treatment plan.

Meanwhile, the driver of the SWA vehicle has been charged. Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said the driver faces charges of negligent driving causing injury and negligent driving.

The accident occurred in Samalaeulu when a double-cab Toyota Hilux SWA vehicle struck a light post. Four SWA employees were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The other three suffered minor injuries.