Warning: OT
Just going to do this publicly. Otherwise, I'd be wasting what can be a learning experience for all.
I'm writing this from a recliner in a Danville rehab facility. Here's how I got here:
On Sunday afternoon I was getting ready for this morning's archery opener. As part of that, I chose the tree I was going to climb with my climber, attached the climber and proceeded to climb. No need for a harness, right? I was only going to be up for a few minutes, look around and get down. So, up I went. I got to hunting height, probably 15-17', did my looking and was about to start down, when the cable on the top part of the climber snapped. I fell backward, did some contortions in the air and landed on my left butt cheek.
After gathering my wits and assessing the situation, I called my wife, assuring her that nothing was life threatening, but to call a couple of her cousins near me and have them help me out. I was barely able to roll over, due to pain in the hip. A few minutes later, I admitted to myself that this was going to require professional help, so I called 911. Several minutes later, people started to arrive, assess, direct, etc. Following that, EMS arrived.
A backboard, hand-carry, 8-wheel ATV and ambulance ride carried me to Lewistown hospital, where I was diagnosed with multiple pelvis fractures, fractures of the sacrum, and a small brain bleed (I prefer that you read that as small brain-bleed, not small-brain bleed.). A helicopter ride carried me to Danville for further care. When you're strapped to a gurney, helicopter rides are no fun.
Fortunately, the brain bleed was small and the neurologists signed off on that Monday morning. Also, fortunately, none of the pelvic fractures were displaced, so no surgery is required. That being said, I'm a long way from fully recovered, but really have no idea how long that's going to take. I'm getting around with a walker, putting some weight on the injured leg, but am far from putting full weight on it. And, I'm missing the bow opener.
So, please wear your harnesses and encourage others to do so, as well, if you're going to be more than a few feet off the ground. I consider myself exceptionally lucky, but even these injuries are not worth the minute or two that it takes to put your harness on.
Take care and climb safely.
Just going to do this publicly. Otherwise, I'd be wasting what can be a learning experience for all.
I'm writing this from a recliner in a Danville rehab facility. Here's how I got here:
On Sunday afternoon I was getting ready for this morning's archery opener. As part of that, I chose the tree I was going to climb with my climber, attached the climber and proceeded to climb. No need for a harness, right? I was only going to be up for a few minutes, look around and get down. So, up I went. I got to hunting height, probably 15-17', did my looking and was about to start down, when the cable on the top part of the climber snapped. I fell backward, did some contortions in the air and landed on my left butt cheek.
After gathering my wits and assessing the situation, I called my wife, assuring her that nothing was life threatening, but to call a couple of her cousins near me and have them help me out. I was barely able to roll over, due to pain in the hip. A few minutes later, I admitted to myself that this was going to require professional help, so I called 911. Several minutes later, people started to arrive, assess, direct, etc. Following that, EMS arrived.
A backboard, hand-carry, 8-wheel ATV and ambulance ride carried me to Lewistown hospital, where I was diagnosed with multiple pelvis fractures, fractures of the sacrum, and a small brain bleed (I prefer that you read that as small brain-bleed, not small-brain bleed.). A helicopter ride carried me to Danville for further care. When you're strapped to a gurney, helicopter rides are no fun.
Fortunately, the brain bleed was small and the neurologists signed off on that Monday morning. Also, fortunately, none of the pelvic fractures were displaced, so no surgery is required. That being said, I'm a long way from fully recovered, but really have no idea how long that's going to take. I'm getting around with a walker, putting some weight on the injured leg, but am far from putting full weight on it. And, I'm missing the bow opener.
So, please wear your harnesses and encourage others to do so, as well, if you're going to be more than a few feet off the ground. I consider myself exceptionally lucky, but even these injuries are not worth the minute or two that it takes to put your harness on.
Take care and climb safely.
