A tradesman has woken from a medically induced coma and is communicating with loved ones two weeks after a robot vacuum cleaner explosion almost cost him his life.
Lachie Perrem, 25, had the vacuum running when the device suddenly erupted into flames in his kitchen on Airgate Close at Brabham, in north-east Perth, on July 2.
He was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital with burns to 75 per cent of his body and has since undergone multiple surgeries.
Mr Perrem’s fiancee, Bri Thompson, revealed last week he was awake, alert, and had regained his ability to communicate with his family and medical staff.
‘Although he hasn’t fully regained his voice yet, he is finding other ways to communicate, and seeing him awake has brought us so much hope,’ Ms Thompson said.
‘The improvement he’s made has been incredible … today feels like a significant milestone.’
Further positive news came through on Tuesday, with Ms Thompson telling supporters he had spent time outdoors for the first time.
‘Yesterday was a special milestone as he was able to spend a short time outside in the hospital courtyard,’ she said.
Lachie Perrem has spent time outdoors for the first time since a horror robot vacuum cleaner explosion almost cost him his life
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said investigators believed the fire was caused by a fault in a robotic vacuum cleaner (stock image)
‘It may seem like a small thing, but moments like these mean so much.
‘We know there is still a long road ahead, but we’re incredibly grateful for each improvement and for the ongoing support, kindness and prayers from everyone.’
She also said he underwent a third surgery on Monday involving debridement – where dead tissue is removed – and skin grafts to his fingers, left elbow and torso.
Mr Perrem will require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation going forward.
Ms Thompson, who was left without a home as a result of the explosion, said she was struggling to come to terms with what had happened, describing the days that followed as ‘completely unimaginable’.
‘Our entire life has changed in a matter of moments, and everything has been incredibly intense and overwhelming,’ she said.
The family said Mr Perrem’s generosity and kindness was reflected through his business The Tradie Vault, which was building a community around the belief that tradies supporting tradies was more than a slogan.
‘(Lachie and business partner Harley) used their platform to raise awareness for men’s mental health and encouraging people to look out for one another,’ the family said.
The 25-year-old had been vacuuming when the device erupted into flames in his kitchen on Airgate Close at Brabham, in north-east Perth , on July 2
‘Those who know Lachie know that The Tradie Vault is a reflection of those values.’
Video captured after the explosion showed windows blown out and walls left completely black.
The damage stretched from the kitchen to the living room, with furniture completely destroyed, floorboards charred and debris scattered throughout.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said investigators believed the fire was caused by a fault in a robotic vacuum cleaner. Investigations continue.
