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NEW YORK, May 4 (AFP) - A New York state fireman who was severely brain damaged in an accident 10 years ago has suddenly recovered his memory and speech, his wife said Wednesday.
Donald Herbert, 44, lost his sight and speech and was confined to a wheelchair after the roof of a blazing building in Buffalo collapsed on him in December 1995 and he was deprived of oxygen for about 10 minutes.
On Saturday Herbert suddenly began to talk again, also recovering his memory, and was amazed to learn that almost a decade had elapsed. One of the first things he asked for was to speak to his wife.
"When Don spoke, he was under the impression he was only away for three months," his wife Linda told a news conference.
"My son Nicholas, who had just turned four at the time of the accident is just thrilled to have his father call him by name, hug him and speak with him.
"My husband didn't believe it was Nicholas at first, because he thought Nicholas was still three years old."
His wife said the former fireman still has "a long way to go" in progress to be made.
Doctor Jamil Ahmed said Linda Herbert had not wanted to "give up on him." He said that three months ago he changed Herbert's medication but that he was "so surprised" Herbert had woken up.
"He was a severely brain damaged person, he didn't receive oxygen for about 10 minutes," said Ahmed.
"Not only was he talking, he was talking sensibly -- he recognized people. We're hoping for the best," Ahmed said.
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