Dominique Hirschi ist mit seinem Handbike unterwegs
Dominique Hirschi ist mit seinem Handbike unterwegs

Day by day – Dominique

In the new "Day by day" film, Dominique Hirschi from Huttwil (Canton of Bern) tells his moving story. In April 2013, the 42-year-old suffered a serious accident while kitesurfing in Egypt. Since then, he has had tetraplegia and has coped with life impressively.

“They thought I was dead.”

What you don’t know about me yet…

In the short interview, you will hear about the challenges Dominique had to overcome after the accident and his hopes for the future, among other things.

  • Paralysis level: C4-6
  • Wheelchair user since: April 2013
  • Occupation: trustee
  • What was the biggest limitation or challenge shortly after the accident?
  • No longer being able to eat anything myself. After 29 years, I had to be fed again.
  • What is the biggest limitation or challenge today? 
    Living alone and also being alone at night. I wonder what would I do if something happens in the night. I can’t get out of bed without help. In addition, plans often change from one moment to the next because my body is more unpredictable than it used to be.
  • What advice would you give to your younger self?
    As an able-bodied person: be tolerant of all people.
    As a wheelchair user: be brave and approach people.
  • What has the wheelchair given you?
    I have met lots of people who would not otherwise have crossed my path. That has been very precious and beautiful.
  • What are your hopes for the future?
    I would like people to be open and tolerant towards wheelchair users.
  • What do able-bodied people completely underestimate about your everyday life?
    That the care takes 2 to 2.5 hours a day and that most of it happens in the morning.
  • What assumption about wheelchair users is completely wrong?
    That, in addition to the ability to walk, many organs are also affected. And that some people with tetraplegia can feed themselves.
  • What is the funniest situation you’ve experienced since being in a wheelchair?
    The dark sense of humour that wheelchair users share with each other.
  • Have there been any situations in which you have shamelessly taken advantage of your wheelchair?
    When there is a long queue, for example.
  • If your wheelchair could talk, what would it say about you?
    Move more. You’re in the office working too much.
  • When do you feel most free?
    When I’m out and about with friends or doing things where it doesn't matter whether I’m in a wheelchair or not.
  • What three things would you take to a desert island (except for your wheelchair)?
    An interesting person, an inspiring book and a cold beer.

“Day by day” film

The “Day by day” film allows the audience to immerse themselves in three fascinating stories about wheelchair users. The film aims to highlight the comprehensive and unique network of services of the Swiss Paraplegic Group. In addition to Dominique Hirschi, Chiara Schlatter and Peter Hofstetter provide insights into their lives. The film has a modular structure, allowing it to be used in a variety of ways. There is one long film featuring all the protagonists, and three short films that are each about one person.

Click here for the long film

Look behind the scenes

  • Gruss unter Tetraplegiker*innen
  • Filmaufnahmen Dominique Hirschi im SPZ
  • Filmaufnahmen Dominique Hirschi in seinem Zuhause
  • Filmaufnahmen mit Dominique Hirschi draussen

Welcome

Mitglied werden

Als Mitglied erhalten Sie 250 000 Franken bei unfallbedingter Querschnittlähmung.

Choose membership

  • Einzelmitglied

    pro Jahr

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  • Dauermitglied

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250 000 Swiss francs in case of emergency

Your 6 advantages

  • You receive 250 000 Swiss francs if you sustain a spinal cord injury in an accident and end up in a wheelchair permanently.
  • The payment process is quick and without red tape.
  • The payment is granted independently of insurance benefits and the place of the accident or treatment.
  • Benefactors' Association membership is possible both for people who reside in Switzerland and those who live abroad.
  • 2 million members have already put their trust in the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation.
  • You show your solidarity towards people with a spinal cord injury – given that it can happen to anybody.

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