A BRIT tourist has broken her back after she was knocked off a bar stool in Prague.
Chloe Barker, 22, flew to the for a weekend away with friends when a freak accident left her with a fractured spine.
Chloe broke her back after the fell from a bar stool in Prague Credit: Kennedy News
The 22-year-old was on holiday with her friends when she suffered devastating spinal injuries Credit: Kennedy News
Her nightmare began on her first night in the historic city when she was bumped off a high stool at a bar.
She fell straight on her back, “folding over herself” as she landed.
Chloe was rushed to hospital where a CT scan revealed a had fractured lower spine and was rushed into surgery.
Chloe, who is from Halifax, West Yorkshire, said: “I’m really scared, the hospital is doing a good job but there’s a language barrier and I’m in a lot of pain.
Chloe has undergone surgery to place metal rods and screws in her back Credit: Kennedy News
Chloe “folded over herself” when she fell off the stool Credit: Kennedy News
“I’ve never had anything like medical treatments or anything so I’m really scared and I was really sad.”
The young woman underwent spinal surgery to place metal screws and rods in her back to stabilise it, as well as undergoing a bone graft.
She is expected to have a second operation.
Chloe’s friend, 21-year-old Sophia Andrews, said: “It’s awful to think of her in that situation and know you can’t really do anything for her.
Chloe (L) pictured with her friend Sophia (R) Credit: Kennedy News
She works as a civil servant in the UK Credit: Kennedy News
“The main priority now is getting her home safe but also to obviously be there right now for her family financially as well because I know obviously it’s hard for them to be able to cover such costs.”
Chloe had been prudent and bought travel insurance, but to her horror was initially told it did not cover medical repatriation.
Chloe cannot fly on a commercial flight home as she cannot sit down, but a medical flight is estimated to cost between £7,000 and £10,000.
Sophia set up a fundraiser to help pay for Chloe’s medical repatriation; however, the insurance company have since said they will now cover the fees.
Chloe won’t be able to sit up straight for the next three months and while she is hoping to be discharged from hospital in the coming week, her journey home poses a logistical nightmare.
“It’s either a medical ambulance [that] they’re going to have to drive her back in with obviously paramedics onboard as well, or an air ambulance,” said Sophia.
On top of worrying about the costs, Chloe remains unsure about her recovery timeline and when she will be able to go back to work.
In June, another British tourist, , 27, suffered a broken back overseas in Spain.
Ardi had been on a dream-rip in Marbella, when he was left with devastating spinal injuries after he dove headfirst into the water at Calo d’es Moro in Santanyi.
Ardi’s cousin Ingrid Kaca said: “The medical team is doing everything they can, but the road ahead is going to be a long and challenging one.
“We are setting up this fundraiser to help Ardi and his family cover mounting medical expenses, travel, and any aftercare that he may need.
“Any funds raised will directly relieve the financial stress on the family so they can focus entirely on being by Ardi’s side.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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