Firefighter on the mend

NEWPORT firefighter Richard Zapart may soon be transferred out of intensive care and into The Alfred hospital’s burns unit.
Mr Zapart, 57, was woken from an induced coma last week after recent tracheostomy surgery to remove a breathing tube from his throat.
Western zone metropolitan fire brigade operations commander Ken Brown said Mr Zapart’s recovery was proceeding well.
Mr Zapart was placed in an induced coma last month after receiving burns to 45 per cent of his body during a chemical fire in Yarraville.
Mr Brown said the recent operation to remove Mr Zapart’s breathing tube would assist with the treatment of his airway and support the next stage of recovery.
“The next milestone is to transfer Dick to the burns unit awake so his children and grandchildren can see and talk with him,” he said.
“I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, it’s still early days. We all want to remain positive about the future.”
Mr Brown encouraged residents and friends of the popular firefighter to continue to send messages of support.
“Dick’s family are doing as well as can be expected and the support from everyone is helping them at this most difficult time,” he said.
“Keep the emails and cards coming. These are helping everyone.”

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