Big job for tomorrow!

[milleo]

Prayers from Maine, sorry to hear that.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Sad news, makes me stop and think about the risks i have taken, may times without knowing - and I got away with it. This is a warning to all, don't exceed your limits...not say this is the case here, but I know I have done so.

 

[swagler85]

Worst part is he is the most careful person I could ever work with. Checks and rechecks everything before doing and looking at every angle. Very hard day today.

 

[tfdchief]

Worst part is he is the most careful person I could ever work with. Checks and rechecks everything before doing and looking at every angle. Very hard day today.

Really sorry Swag. I know what you mean. I have always felt like I was one of the most careful people in the world, and have tried to look out for a bunch of firefighters for 34 years. Then about a year and half ago, I had an accident that could have killed me. Thought I was being careful, but I let my guard down for just a minute and it got me. Hope he will be OK.

 

[jdp1152]

Best wishes to your friend swaggler

 

[ScotO]

Swags, he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. It's terrible to hear of this tradgedy, and it always seems to happen to the most careful and responsible people, which really is proof that it can happen to anybody.
So sorry to hear this happened, keep us posted on your friend. Stay positive and God Bless.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Sean, please keep us posted on this and we'll keep sending prayers.

 

[BobUrban]

Moment of silence and prayers for your friend. I am truly sorry to hear this and hope he is well soon.

 

[swagler85]

Well the update is he is doing good considering how bad he was hit. The piece that hit him was a 16"-18" piece that came down from about 30'-40', was about 30 foot of the tree that came down. The piece let go before he was able to get out of the way and it hit and pinned him to the ground. We had to cut the log above to free him. Injuries were multiple fractures to his skull, neck, 10 fractures in his back, ankle, shoulder and most of the his ribs. Two punctured lungs and head trauma. The brain was the biggest concern, today we were told from the neuro surgeon that his brain activity was good and not much damage from what he could see. The swelling also went down from yesterday. Overall his condition is good considering what could have happened. To be honest I thought he was dead when I ran over to him. He will have a long road to recovery but his outlook is good at this point. I believe very much that prayer brought him through this and many more will be needed.

Also on another note his saw was badly damaged in the fall. I will be asking his kids if I can take the saw and rebuild it for him. It's an 026 Stihl. So I will be looking for parts for that, just from what I picked up I know it will be needing all new plastics and top handle. Will be looking here for some advise if I dig into the repair.

 

[firefighterjake]

Glad to hear that this story has a relatively good ending . . .

And also . . . by your actions Swaggler I can tell you are truly a good man. Keep up the good faith.

 

[bogydave]

Swags:
Thanks for the "good outlook" update

 

[HDRock]

Wow ,I am sorry to here this, I hope all other updates are positive

 

[ScotO]

Continued prayers for him. Sounds like some encouraging news considering the unbelieveable injuries he endured. Anything we can do to help Swags, you let us know.

 

[DexterDay]

Continued prayers for him. Sounds like some encouraging news considering the unbelieveable injuries he endured. Anything we can do to help Swags, you let us know.

I recently rebuilt my 260. I have a stock Cylinder and Piston (needs rings) and a stock carb. Unless its purely cosmetic damage?

Power of prayer is amazing. I hope he recovers quickly and has no ailments. Keep us updated and is there a "Benefit" planned for him? (I know its early?)

 

[swagler85]

I recently rebuilt my 260. I have a stock Cylinder and Piston (needs rings) and a stock carb. Unless its purely cosmetic damage?

Power of prayer is amazing. I hope he recovers quickly and has no ailments. Keep us updated and is there a "Benefit" planned for him? (I know its early?)

Thanks Dex, benefit has been talked about and will likely happen. He is a contractor so will likely be off work for many months. I will let you know if there is one. I am pretty confident our local stihl dealer would give a saw for a benefit auction. He is a regular in there and actually just picked up a 460 to get at the base of that tree that we worked on.

 

[swagler85]

I can't imagine what he is going through right now. I just can't get the image of that tree coming down out of my head. I talked to the crane operator today and he said the same thing. He couldn't sleep either, just kept having that picture pop back in his head.

 

[Blue2ndaries]

Man, just checked in and read this Swag...prayers sent from Oregon for a speedy and FULL recovery.

 

[Locust Post]

Have lifted him up in prayers several times and will continue to do so. It is good to hear some relatively good news on his prognosis.

 

[swagler85]

This is the butt end of what hit him, the cutoff in the middle is what we cut off him.

 

[jdp1152]

Best wishes to your friend for continued improvement.




Reading this makes me only want to cut up trees on the ground.

 

[tfdchief]

Swags, I am so glad to hear he is still alive. This is bringing back bad memories for me. My heart breaks for him. I remember to well the pain and agony of severe injuries, and he has more than I had. It will be a long, tough, painful recovery and I wish him the best. Life can sure change in a heartbeat. Prayers will continue. Keep reminding us because he will need them for some time.

 

[weatherguy]

Best wishes to your friend Swag, sounds like he got lucky, Ive known of two similar accidents and the outcome wasnt as fortunate.

 

[Gasifier]

Sorry to hear that Swag. Keep in mind that you were helping him out on a job and that you helped him in his time of need when he was injured. You are a good man and friend. He will be in our thoughts.

 

[Jags]

Swags - all the best to your friend and his family. Good news can happen in little bits and pieces. Each one is a step forward. He will have a tough road in front of him, but the human body is pretty amazing. Keep an eye out for him, but also keep an eye out for those that are taking care of him. (and from what I take away from your posts, you do truly care).

I was the caretaker for my GF when she was in a horrible accident (4 broken vert. scapula, multiple ribs, sternum) and was in a halo for 4 months. All but immobile. It takes a toll on those around the injured person too.

 

[lukem]

As sad as this news is to hear I'm glad you posted it. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Let this be a reminder to all of us to keep safety top of mind on every outing. Being careful is not the same as being safe (not saying he wasn't both).

I hope your friend has a solid recovery.