Sunday, July 19, 2009

 

I saw a guy likely lose a foot today. We were on the platform in Old Greenwich, CT waiting for a train, and at the other end of the platform was a guy dangling his feet over the edge of the platform. Well, a few minutes before the local train we wanted an express came by. Sometime seemed off, and when I turned around I realized, after a protracted moment of disbelief, that the guy hadn't gotten his legs out of the way. There's about a 3" gap between the track and the trains, and he decidedly didn't fit in it. Numerous people called 911, and with a firehouse about 1/10 of a mile away a response was there quickly.

Suffice it to say, Bitsy, Henry and I were rather shaken up, and Bitsy's mother didn't take it terribly well. It's rather amazing, particularly given Bitsy's recent bicycle mishap, how one's priorities can change very rapidly. All in all, I've had a rather injurious month so far.

Description of the injuries is below.

*SOMEWHAT GRAPHIC*
After the train went by, it used its emergency brakes and came to a fairly quick stop. The guy's legs flopped onto the platform, and a number of people rushed in that general direction. At least two people called 911, and as I got close I could see his feet. The train was coming from his left, and the left side of his feet were marred, blackened, and had bone protruding. He lay on the ground, not bleeding much and going into shock. Emergency personnel were there within minutes, and the last thing I remember as he was wheeled to the ambulance was seeing his left foot wobble over the bumps because his leg was broken about 5" above the ankle. All of his injuries appeared to be below the knees, and I'm sure he'll be in traction for at least the next week of two until (or, rather, if) they can reconstruct the bone fragments.

Labels: Ow

posted by Matt 17:56

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