Posted on 06/11/2010 7:26:04 AM PDT by Justaham
31-year-old Jonathan Metz was in trouble in the basement of his West Hartford home. On Sunday he was working on his furnace when, somehow, his left hand became trapped beneath the boiler. Unable to free himself he called for help but no one heard. 2 days into his ordeal he made a fateful decision.
Dr. Scott Ellner, St. Francis Hospital: "With tools he had within reach he attempted to amputate his own arm. He nearly did it but not completely."
Dr. Ellner says Metz did succeed in saving his own life. Crush injuries release toxins into the bloodstream. Toxins that will eventually lead to death.
Dr. Scott Ellner, St. Francis Hospital: "And by releasing those toxins by cutting through the dead tissue or non-viable tissue that helps to prevent the spread of infection."
Dr. Ellner did not have all the details of Metz situation but it is clear he was trapped, in pain, soaked in water leaking from the furnace... Water he drank in an attempt to stay hydrated. His decision to cut off his arm was made out of desperation. Jonathan Metz knew he was in deep trouble.
(Excerpt) Read more at necn.com ...
Dr. Scott Ellner, St. Francis Hospital: "They did bring his limb in as well in case we could potentially salvage this."
What a horrible story.
Not pretty but a testimony to the toughness of the human will in instinct to live. May we never be put in such a situation, and best wishes for his recovery.
This happned to a hiker some years ago when a boulder fell on his arm and pinned him.
After days, he cut his arm off successfully and lives today.
So apparently he didn’t need to do that. I wonder if his arm would have been saved otherwise.
“I would give my right arm for a cell phone right now.”
Bush’s fault.
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