For those who do not know me,  and I am sure there maybe many; I am Master
Seaman Eric Payne. I have been a Steward since November of 85. I have served on
many classes of ships on both coasts. I have had shore postings in Esquimalt,
Suffield, Halifax, and Greenwood and now I am posted to HMCS QUEEN
CHARLOTTE in Charlottetown PEI. I have been on a few RIMPACs, a few NATOs,
OP APOLLO and a tour in CFS Alert. I have had a full and varied career that helped
me prepare for the challenges that I am now undertaking. As you will see in the
pictures below, I am a left leg above knee amputee. This was the result of an accident.
Stewards
Making A Difference
On Tuesday the 19th of April 2005, I was out enjoying the first “Bike night” of the year
in Greenwood and area. I had just had some upgrades done to my motorcycle and
had picked it up on Friday.  I was with two great friends, both military members. We
each had one of their children on the backs of our bikes. I was the last motorcycle of
three. We were going around a long sweeping right hand turn when my life took a new
direction.
My injuries at the time of the accident were a crushed left leg (six months later my leg
was amputated due to a post op infection) and a broken right thumb. I tried to throw
my eleven year old passenger off before the accident. My passenger received 43 left
leg fractures and a broken knee cap. I have had a full spectrum of medical services
availed to me through both military and civilian centers. QE II Health Sciences Center,
Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Center were the first and initial points of care I received. I
spent 7 weeks there right after the accident. I spent two more weeks for the
amputation surgery six months later. Then my Rehabilitation started the last week of
November. At the time of the accident I was a svelte 280lbs and by the last surgery I
was 175 lbs. I needed to rebuild my strength and learn how to walk again by using
prosthetics. I was initially issued a manual knee (lock) to use, but then was trialed in
the micro processing knee called a C-Leg. This is the device I am currently using
today.
During this process, it was the first time for most of the people in my Chain of
Command to deal with issues such as this, whether it was medically or
administratively. Gaps were found in Policy. Communication problems existed
between the different services for the traumatically injured, whether it was in my case
or for those in theatre. There have been gaps in the delivery of some services. This is
due to authorizations that have to go to different agencies in Ottawa vice on site
authorities.  The other concern is that the policy is being constructed as we speak to
encompass the requirements of the military high functioning injured.
I have found the greatest assets in this have been networking and self-advocacy. I got
in contact with MCpl Paul Franklin. He and I have been working on issues, with
countless others I might add, surrounding appropriate equipment and physiotherapy. I
have networked with Sgt Andrew McLean. I have become apart of the Soldier On
program. I have had input with DSCA, “The Center” in Ottawa assisting in the
Assisting Officer’s package. I have also have had a progressive roll with the policies
for a disabled member’s move.
I have just returned from Walter Reed Army Medical Center with a Canadian
Contingent where we went to compare how we approach amputee care in Canada
versus what the Americans are doing. I will be in attendance at the Military Disabled
Summit in Ottawa May 25-27 2007. I have been on TSN, all of the major networks
news casts, and have done a local interview for CBC. I have truly been busier than
then the one legged man at the “contest”.  There are still more things to do though.  I
will continue until the medical and administrative processes take their course.
The final point I would like to make in all of this is, you really do not know what
direction your life will take. This is absolutely no where close to the plans I had on the
18th of April 2005. My hat is off to my fellow tradesman (and women) who have
supported me along the way with email's, cards and visits. I will not forget the  
administrative help I received through out the whole process as well.

Bravo Zulu.
Master Seaman Eric Payne
Submits The Following:
Eric at the Canadian Contingent to WRAMC
Eric Talking with LCol Maritn at WRAMC
MS Eric Payne on the Simulated range at Walter Reed
Left to Right- MS Eric Payne, Sue Campbell DVA, Capt Annie Fredette CF Physio Valcartier, Capt Lisa Francis CF
Physio Ottawa, Dr. Jackie Herbert Glenrose Hospital, MCpl Paul Franklin, Bev Agur Glenrose Hospital, Mike Stobbe
Glenrose Hospital, Maj Robert Steigelmar, Dr. U of A, Capt Kim Fawcett RMC, Lt Kelli McIntyre CF Physio Edmonton,
LCol Peter Rowe CF Head of Physiotherapy.
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