SAS recruit back home after coma

Alexander Teira Cowan, 25, collapsed after suffering heat stroke during an SAS selection test in the Hunua Ranges. Photo / Supplied

Lieutenant Teira Cowan, who spent 11 days in an induced coma after collapsing during a gruelling SAS training exercise is home in Bridge Pa, Hastings, and looking to the future.

A welcoming party of about 15 including his sisters, nieces and nephews were at the airport to greet him yesterday afternoon.

Teira, 26, woke from the coma in Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit on February 4, and was up walking the following day, his sister Tatiana Cowan-Greening said.

"The doctors indicated if someone is healthy they recover well, but he's still a miracle man,'' she said.

Teira fell to the ground near the end of an 8km run in the Hunua ranges in South Auckland and was rushed to Middlemore Hospital by ambulance, on January 25.

He was transferred to Auckland City Hospital six days later after taking a turn for the worse, before returning to Middlemore as his condition improved.

Teira was now focusing on the important things in life, such as his fiance, whanau and friends.

"He's going to bring forward his wedding and learn to appreciate the finer things in life.''

Teira remained in hospital until being discharged to fly home, and although he was mobile, he would need to take it easy for some time yet.

"He's still in a restful period. We are hoping he can just rest after being knocked around,'' Mrs Cowan-Greening said.

The speed of his recovery has delighted whanau, who stayed by his side throughout the whole ordeal, though they never questioned whether he would pull through, Ms Cowan-Greening said.

"We never doubted him, we could see his strength. Even when he was at his worst he was signalling he was okay.

"Even though he was heavily sedated he was pushing through, which wasn't very good because they sedate you for a reason, but he just kept coming through.''

At home in Bridge Pa, a dinner was held for all the whanau to celebrate Teira's recovery before he turned in for an early night.

"We are so glad he's back, that he survived'' Mrs Cowan-Greening said.

Teira's father, Monty Cowan, said "everyone is very happy. There's a lot less stress and worry now.

"He's going to stay at home for a few days and we'll have a talk to him about what he wants to do next. I don't think he'll be going back into the army for awhile.

"He's dropped more than 10kg so we'll have to bring back [his weight] slowly,'' he said. "It's going to be a long road.''

A whanau posting on a Facebook page set up to update loved ones on Teira's condition read: "There were a few touch and go moments with slim chances of surviving over that time, but can safely say he will be back,''

Another update read: "He has fought an amazing battle for his life, he has amazed doctors with his ability to survive what very few could, he continues a rapid recovery and is looking good.'