The Austrian doctor, who has not been named, allegedly invited his 13-year-old child to help treat a man who suffered serious head injuries in a forestry accident, Sky News reports.

The surgeon and another specialist who was present during the operation, which took place in January, have since been sacked by Graz University Hospital.

Prosecutors in Graz are still investigating and considering whether to bring charges against others who participated in the operation.

Peter Freiberger, lawyer for the alleged victim, said: “You lie there. Unwilling, unconscious, and become guinea pigs.

“There’s probably no other way to put it… that’s not possible. You can’t do that.”