A 45-year-old man fell 18 floors – 30m – while high on ice and survived.
Zac (not his real name) told news.com.au he wanted to highlight the dangers of the drug ice after he fell from his balcony in Sydney’s World Square.
Police were called to his apartment on March 7 at 2.45am. A stand-off ensued after he was seen “scaling the side of the building” and throwing things off his balcony.
He then fell from the balcony onto a glass and steel awning, with negotiators, police and paramedics believing he was dead.
Somehow, he survived. The man told news.com.au he broke every bone in his body, and he now has two metal rods in his legs.
He said: “I don’t know why [I fell]. I was high on ice. They tell me I was on another planet.”
Zac threw a chair, a sports bag, a computer and a television set off the balcony
The man was seen on the awning with broken bones poking out from his body, but he then got up and lunged at police who were treating him.
“Hitting the canopy saved me. I broke both femurs, broke ribs, my lower legs and I still can’t lift my feet there’s so many broken bones in them.
“The right side of my face was numb but it’s coming back.”
The man, who worked as a construction worker, was mostly unconscious throughout his recovery process and is now walking with the aid of a frame.
Zac, who is a father and grandfather, said that he is positive about his future and wants to get away from drugs.
“I have always been positive. I want to live. I have everything to live for. I am a positive sort of person,” he said.
“Apparently I’ll be out in two months, although I’m weeks ahead in my rehab. I’ve been in three car accidents and survived and I’ve survived this. I was on ice. I want to go to Dubai and get away from drugs and drink.
“I want to be working as a supervisor on a building site in Dubai by next January.”
Drug Arm Australia national programs manager Richard Norman told news.com.au that long-term use of ice or methamphetamines could lead to drug-induced psychosis, or violent or suicidal behaviour.
“If there is chronic use of ice over a period of time, it can cause bizarre behaviour and emotional and cognitive problems and lead to the onset of other mental health issues,” he said.
If you or anyone you know needs help with a drug addiction, contact the Family Drug Support Australia help line on 1300 368 186, or The Samaritans on 135 247.
