Lachie Perrem, 25, has woken from a medically induced coma and is able to communicate with loved ones two weeks after a robot vacuum cleaner explosion nearly cost him his life. The incident occurred on July 2 in Brabham, north-east Perth, when the device ignited flames in his kitchen.
Mr. Perrem was transported to Fiona Stanley Hospital with burns covering 75 percent of his body and has since undergone multiple surgeries. His fiancée, Bri Thompson, reported that he is awake and alert, communicating through means other than speech as his voice has not yet fully recovered. "The improvement he's made has been incredible," Ms. Thompson stated, highlighting a significant milestone when Mr. Perrem was able to spend a short period outdoors in the hospital courtyard.
He underwent a third surgery on Monday for debridement and skin grafts to his fingers, left elbow, and torso. Mr. Perrem faces extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation ahead.
The explosion also resulted in the complete destruction of his home. "Our entire life has changed in a matter of moments, and everything has been incredibly intense and overwhelming," Ms. Thompson said. Investigators from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services believe a fault in the robotic vacuum cleaner caused the fire. Investigations are ongoing.
Mr. Perrem is known for his generosity and the community he built around his business, The Tradie Vault, which promoted the idea of tradespeople supporting each other and raised awareness for men's mental health.