The 25-year old F1 driver Jules Bianchi is out of induced coma and can breathe on his own, doctors positively announced. The car racer has been critically ill since he has been in a fatal crash at the Japanese Grand Prix last October 5, 2014.
He was transferred from a hospital in Yokkaichi to France specifically in Nice. He is still in the intensive care unit of the hospital but his family states that his condition improved. However, he is still in a critical condition and hasn't awakened yet.
Weeks after the dreadful crash, Bianchi's family were able to provide a statement on his recovery, "Almost seven weeks after Jules's accident at Suzuka, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce that Jules has made an important step," said Philippe and Christine Bianchi.
They added, "Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however, he is still unconscious. He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable but his condition is still classified as critical. His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function."
His parents added that they feel relieved that their son has been transferred to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice where he was born and raised. They are thankful for the outstanding care given to Bianchi at the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi. His parents said, "We are thankful that the next phase of Jules' treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded by his wider family and friends. We have nothing, but praise for the outstanding care provided by the Mie General Medical Center since the accident. We owe the medical staff there an enormous debt of gratitude for everything they have done for Jules, and also for our family, during what is a very difficult time for us."
The racer suffered from a diffuse axonal injury when he crashed into a tractor vehicle in Suzuka. It is a form of brain injury that usually happens in half of all traumatic head injuries. It occurs in a widespread area of the brain that affects many brain functions including respiration and alertness.
