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I was unfortunate enough to have a big 'off' on the Monkey Trail detour at Cannock last Thursday and wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone who looked after me afterwards.
I was riding with a couple of mates, Roland and Chris, and let rip down the fire road detour towards the end of the MT. Doing probably close to 40mph I got off line and drifted into the gulley at the side of the trail, then into ruts where the rain had partially washed away the trail. From there the ending was pretty inevitable and I had a huge crash, landing heavily on my head. The impact crushed my helmet, which I'm sure saved my life, as well as giving me a large head wound.
First thanks to Roland and Chris who were on the scene in seconds and took control by getting me off the track, slowing other riders and giving immediate first aid to stem the blood.
By enormous good fortune the next guy along was a very fit local called Phil Jones, who was riding his singlespeed up the hill I'd just come down. Phil knew exactly where we were in the forest, called emergency services and guided the ambulance in to the nearest trail junction. Cheers Phil, I owe you a beer or two!
The paramedic and ambulance driver gave me a thorough check and immediately put me into a head brace and spinal board then got me to the trauma unit at North Staffs Hospital in about 20 minutes. I didn't get much chance to thank them and doubt they'll be reading this, but thanks anyway ladies.
The outcome? I've a broken neck, broken collar bone, three chipped teeth, four stitches in my scalp and numerous cuts and scrapes. Probably be a while before I can ride Cannock again but If I hadn't been wearing a helmet I wouldn't be here at all so I can't grumble too much.
Without the immediate help of Chris, Roland and Phil I could have been in much worse state. Many thanks guys!
Congrats to all concerned 😀
(however)
I don't know the details and so am generalising - please don't move somebody who's landed hard on their head/neck unless you have to
Good to hear you're on the mend.
I didn't get much chance to thank them and doubt they'll be reading this, but thanks anyway ladies.
http://www.patientopinion.org.uk/services/rjehq_110
You could also drop a note marked FAO senior clinical nurse, trauma and orthopaedics, at the main trust address.
These guys love hearing from people who they've treated.
As someone who broke his neck too - phew, congrats on surviving it.
opt for the spinal fuse (with your own bone) rather than a external fixator - it's usually much better for your spine long term 😉
Martinhutch - thanks for the link. I'll leave feedback and write to them as you suggest. I've got a bit of time on my hands over the next few weeks! I should add that I was enormously impressed with the trauma team when I arrived at the hospital. There were maybe ten people waiting for the ambulance and the professionalism they showed In the way I was handled was hugely confidence inspiring. They really knew what they were doing. In fact all the hospital staff, doctors, nurses, porters were friendly and helpful but clearly under resourced. Whatever's happening to the NHS my experience of those delivering the service has been first rate.
Crotchrocket - fortunately I should avoid the need for surgery. Although I have a cracked vertebra the muscle and soft tissue is undamaged so I've been discharged with just a neck brace. Providing the bone doesn't move it should heal ok. The young man in the bed next to me had broken his back in a BMX accident and the surgeons removed his rib to repair the spine, which sounds like your situation.
Might be worth contacting the PALS team from the ambulance service as they deal with compliments and complaints.
http://www.wmas.nhs.uk/contact_us/compliments.aspx
And if you contact them, try not to call them ambulance drivers as it tends to give them the hump (mainly because the driver is either a Paramedic or a medical technician!)
Glad your ok. Sounds horrific, & I'll bet your mates were pretty shook up afterwards as well. I was when my mate needed a spinal board in a more remote part of the Chase a few years ago. A huge relief when the paramedics arrived & take over. Nothing but respect to these & the other proffesionals.
Glad you're OK, sounds like a close call.
Also well played to your mates, I'd love to think I'd be calm, collected and useful in situations like that but deep down I have a suspicion I'd probably be rubbish.
Actually, this is a better link - will get straight to the trust, and they'll be so delighted to have someone complimenting the service as opposed to ranting and raving about it, I'm sure it will reach the right person pretty quick.
http://www.uhns.nhs.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=oDghBFCplS0%3d&tabid=192
Edit: Beaten to it!
Thanks wisepranker. Didn't know about PALS but I'll contact them now you've told me. I think paramedics are amazing; they just never know what situation they're going to find and their ability to deal with any medical emergency is priceless. As a nation we undervalue our emergency services so much and it takes something like this to really appreciate them.
Bloody hell bud sounds real nasty, glad your ok. healing vibes to you
Glad to hear youre ok, and a big thankyou to all the medical staff involved. 😀
We all hope we never need you, but when we do youre there for us.