The Queensland police constable who was hit by a stolen car two months ago in Ipswich has been discharged from the Princess Alexandra Hospital after what has been described as a miraculous recovery.
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Constable Peter McAulay, 24, had spent almost two months in hospital after he was critically injured while rolling out stingers on Brisbane Road in the suburb of Booval on September 27.
While performing his duties, the Ipswich police officer was run over and dragged by the car on Brisbane Road in Booval.
He suffered broken bones and serious head injuries and was rushed to the intensive care unit, where he remained for weeks in a coma.
Two teenagers were charged with his attempted murder.
In a statement, Constable McAulay's parents said, when they were told that their son had been struck by the car and had been transported to hospital, that "Peter was seriously injured and that his survival hung in the balance".
"This news was devastating, and we hoped and prayed that Pete’s fighting spirit kicked in. And kicked in it did," they said.
"Every day since, we have seen a steady improvement in Pete’s condition and we are now pleased to announce that Pete was discharged from the PA Hospital on 23 November 2018."
They said it was a huge achievement for Mr McAulay and a great relief to his family, friends and the wider community.
"It is at this time we would like to publicly acknowledge the support that we have received," they said.
"To the officers that provided first aid to Pete when they found him lying on the roadside: You saved his life. We thank you.
"To the other police officers who, despite wanting to be with Pete, remained professional and commenced investigating the crash.
"Their actions ensured the suspects were located and later arrested. We thank you.
"To the Queensland Ambulance Service and their trauma team that was on scene within minutes and were able to stabilise Pete sufficiently to transport him to hospital. You saved his life. We thank you.
"To the specialists, doctors, nurses and their team who provided expert medical care and treatment to Pete to save his life initially and then to see him steadily improve. You saved his life. We thank you.
"To his work mates in the Police and the ADF, who have been with us on this journey and have provided support. We thank you.
"To the wider community who have sent well wishes, prayers, support and donations. All these things made a difference. We thank you."
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said this was great news for the community in Queensland.
"This is a great milestone for Pete, his family and his colleagues, and all of us in the police family," he said.
"This is only the first part of a long journey ahead for Pete and we will continue to be there for him the entire way."
Constable McAulay's parents said "Pete" was still undergoing treatment and more surgery was required but he had a positive outlook and expressed his thanks for the support that he has received from his family, his work colleagues and the greater community.
"We still have a long road ahead of us but thankfully he is on the road to recovery," they said.
"We appreciate that this milestone has significant media interest, but we are requesting that you respect our privacy as we come to terms with the new chapter in Pete’s recovery."
