Almost lost our son yesterday

[Armybrat]

Working alone early yesterday morning on a house renovation, he was using a hand-held grinding tool with a saw blade. Ordinarily he's a careful guy, but this time he slipped and cut through his upper thigh, severing his femoral artery and major muscles.

He promptly took his ********* out with one hand to dial 911 while taking his belt off to use as a tourniquet. He made the call at 8:16am, and the EMS had him on the way to the hospital at 8:30am (His work partner showed up at that time & saw them leaving).

It was a close thing...he bled out 3 liters by the time EMS got there (the cut was actually too high on his thigh for the tourniquet to be fully effective).
The surgery to repair the damage was successful, the doc said it was pretty straightforward and not complicated to sew up the artery & muscles. But he did say my son saved his own life - thanks to not panicking and utilizing his Scout first aid knowledge.

When he came out of the 2 1/2 hours surgery, he looked like death barely warmed over.

Today he is much better, got his color back, and is more animated.

He will be able to walk again.

[Dietrich]

HOORAY!!! Thank God he had the presence of mind to act as he did.I love to hear stories with happy endings like this one.I`m glad for your son and for you as well.

[wyntrout]

Armybrat, I feel for you man. I hope he's up and about soon... like new, but wiser. He didn't panic and did the right things to save his own life. Some of us have to learn by doing it the hard way... and get our butts kicked by Murphy. I've been where you're at and understand how it is. Take care.
Wynn

[kahrseye]

Wow, what a story. Just goes to show you, no matter what the situation.....DON'T PANIC. :eek: I'm glad your son is well and on the mend and had the presence of mind to bring about a happy ending. Being a parent never ends no matter what their age.

[rholmes69]

Man, scary stuff, but so happy to hear the outcome is good. Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery!

[Bawanna]

What all these other guys said and more. As a former contractor myself in a previous life I know there are some real hazards sometimes no matter how careful you are. Glad your son came out ok, as Dietrich mentioned truely a happy ending.

[aray]

What a relief. Very good news! My prayers are with your son for a complete and speedy recovery.

[johnh]

Thank God he was able to save himself! I cannot imagine what I would do if I lost my boy. Our kids are by far the best part of our lives. My best to you and your son--and I will hope for a speedy recovery!

John

[DKD]

Thank the good Lord he had the presence of mind to act at a critical time with the right measures. Our prayers go out to you and your family for his speedy recovery.

[getsome]

+1 Armybrat Glad to hear this one had a happy ending....Thank the good Lord for your sons ability to remain calm, remember what he learned in the scouts about first aid and for the fast response of EMS....I have always said that I would rather die a thousand deaths than to lose one of my children....

[wyntrout]

There's two things you ought to carry when out around the house doing chores... a cell phone and your sidearm, which can double as a signaling device. If I'm getting on our steep roof, I always have at least my cell phone. It could be my lifeline if I survive a fall and am still conscious. You just never know. I'm sure glad your son had his phone device with him... seconds count in situations like that and you don't always have the time to go looking for a phone... or the strength left.
Wynn

[recoilguy]

Man that is a scary story. Alot of blood goes through the femoral artery. You are lucky to still have him around.

Will say prayers for a total recovery.
RCG

[mrsig239]

Good to hear he was smart enough to save himself and that he is doing fine. I pray for a speedy recovery.

[cgo99]

I'm glad to hear that your son is ok and will make a full recovery. That goes to show you that real survivors are those that can remain calm, come up fast with a game plan and execute it in a bad or dangerous situation.
Kudos to your son for son for been a survivor.