I was going to post this in the mens forum but figured everyone might gain some insight on some stories that men usually talk about.
As guys we do gross things and talk about gross things, but many of us have seen some VERY gross things. There seems to be a one up on most stories but thats what makes stories cool. A little embelishment happens but the base of the story is heard. Why is this in health you ask? Well its simple. When strange and sometimes tramatic things happen it often times happens when there are more men than women around. I am certain many women have seen their fair share of trama as well so hey join in as these experiences and stories sometimes help set the stage of how many of us should react in a simular situation. It also helps to know that weird stuff we havent even thought about can and does happen and how we can prepare for such emergencies.
Story 1: THE PRESS.
I have worked with fiberglass off and on for over a decade and have seen many minor injuries and have experienced some myself. This one is a story of pain that I can not even imagine and what me and my co-worker did to help the guy till medics arrived. It takes place in a shop that is about 10,000 sq ft with a wall dividing the 'tooling area' (mold making) and the press area (male and female injection molds).
I was working on a repair of a mold with a die grinder and the radio playing when I heard what sounded like an airline that burst (high whistling sound). I looked around and looked at where the sound was coming from and realized it was on the other side of the wall (in the press area). I casually walked to check out the source of the sound only to see my co-worker run past me into the press area. What I saw was something that is burned in memory and I hope I never see again. A small asian worker had his arm from the elbow down into a fender press that presses fiberglass matting and resin down to 1/8". We raised the press which takes about 30 seconds to the point that we could release the screaming man from the grasp of the guide pins ( the pins are about 7" long and 2" diameter). What I did is hold the man while my co-worker slid his arm down the pin and laid him to rest while I called 911. We tied off the limb as tight as we possibly could about 2" above the crushed area and calmed him down. People that looked like they were in a panic I politely told before they came to see the carnage to GTFO and let the man rest. We could only do so much in this situation but we knew to remain calm, collected and just talk to the guy since he was worried about his family and what he was going to do now. 911 came and the man was obviously amputated from the bicep down.
What happened in the mans words a few months later what that the fiberglass matting had folded over on itself and he tried to bring it back up before the press came down and started injecting resin therefore creating a brittle dead spot in the fender. He could have done it in theory but he did not account for the guide pin that caught the opposite side of his elbow and then continued its slow desent to its final resting spot.
The moral is stay calm and think rationally no matter how gruesome the incident since getting the victim worked up only gets the heart pumping even faster. I recommend a first aid class that oil riggers use since they are the best ones IMO. At least they were when I took some classes.
Remember NOTHING is worth seriously hurting yourself over...NOTHING. Be safe and think smart.
My cousin out did this story by telling me he saw a man get sawed in half on at a saw mill in Big River SK. NOW that is crazy!
I have seen a guy cut all the fingers on his right hand off with a table saw. I must say it sounds like your reaction was a lot more controlled then mine.
I can take this kind of stuff any day, it is someone throwing up I have problems with.
Thanks for the story! We all need to be aware that as we do things we need to do them properly and not take short cuts. Particularly in a SHTF situation when help may not be so close. For the cost of a fender this man has suffered a much greater loss.
This is a story I will take to work and share with my crews at the safety meeting this week.
Be safe!!
For hands on experience, my brother cut the front of his thigh with a chainsaw right down and into the bone when it kicked back.. I was 10 years old, we lived 30 miles from the closest Dr. and the neighbors were 2 miles away. No telephone. I picked out all the bits and pieces with a pair of needle nose pliers, trimmed the edges with scissors and flushed it with boiled water. I sewed it together with a needle and thread. If he had cut an artery, he would have been dead. After that, I got a horse and went looking for help. He made it to a Dr. the next day and lived to tell about it.
In Egypt, I saw a toyota pickup with around 25-30 men stacked in and on it lose control and roll. Their emergency service involved dragging by the feet and stacking them in a pile at side of the road. When I protested that one was still alive, I was told to shut it and go away. Basically unless some one threw them in the back of a pickup and took them to a pretend Dr. they were done for. Nasty day. Thats SHTF medicine for you.
Yes, we never know how we will respond and you just cant get those pictures out of your head. There have been times when I have thrown myself into bloody situations and been the first care provider. Their was also one situation where as I saw what had happened, I emediatly went into shock, turned and walked away, knowing I was not stong enough to survive having those images in my head forever. Not sure why I am saying this but Gravlore, be kind to yourself for a wile. Shocks like that take a wile to proccess
I have a Tactical Harness and I have a Tool Belt. The Tool Belt is more Useful.
Makes me want to give EMT's and FIREFIGHTERS and POLICE all a big thank you for being there in case I ever am in need.Can you imagine seeing this day in and day out? THANK YOU! THANY YOU! THANK YOU!