I hope my story will save someone one day

   / I hope my story will save someone one day #1  

DDT

Platinum Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2000
Messages
953
Location
Clay Center, Kansas
Tractor
Kubota M6040/cab, BX25D, RTVX900
Hi to all since I am here to tell about it.
I was cutting trees down to clear an area for a woodworking shed. I have been falling trees most of my life and am 46 years old and should know what I am doing by now. I was dropping another elm tree, there was no wind and the tree y'ed out, one to the east and the other to the west. It was all leaning to the south. It was all the 16" bar wanted in one pass. I cut a slope for the tree to fall south, I got about 2" away from the back side and pulled the saw out. My first thought, this is NOT RIGHT, it should have moved before now. The saw kerf was still the same so it was still not even want to come my way. Before I could turn and run the tree clasped the saw kerf and slid down the ramp I cut, then dopped to the ground very fast. This all took place in about 1/2 secound, blink of an eye so to speak. I only had time to react, Run north. I made about 4 steps away and felt the tree hit me square on the head. I was on my back in the most pain I have ever been in, gasping for air in very short breaths. I new I needed help so I called 911 but it took awhile to dial since I was shaking so bad. Sure was glad my cell phone was working and on me. I am on the volunteer fire dept. so the dispatcher knew who I was. I was hurting so bad she could not understand anything I said.
Sheriffs dept got here and the amblulance. I went to the hospital and then a helicoptor ride to Wichita where back surgery was done. I crushed two vertibraes and fractured another. T5 to T10 was the problem. I got 2 rods and 8 screws before they got done with me. I am very lucky to be here ( I do have a guaridan angel) and also more lucky that I am not paralized. I do not know why my head was not sqash like a pumpkin. I think my guardian angel had a hand in this. I am back home now, but will be a while before I can work or do anything.

Please be careful. My Christmas was gloomy, but at least I am still here. So if you all don't mind I will be spending alot of time on this board while I am mending.
DDT
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #2  
I am glad to hear you made it out alive. We all do stupid things from time to time. Hopefully we learn from them and help others not make the same mistakes. Take care.
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #3  
DDT, glad you are alright - relatively speaking. Christmas may have been gloomy for you, but, sure it was better for your loved ones considering what could have happened. Sounds like we are very lucky to still have you around with us. Amazing how quick things can happen. Those guardian angels are wonderful things.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Take care,
Eddie
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #4  
WOW. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you are here to warn us all.
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #5  
WOW. . . .er, um, WOW!

You are very lucky you weren't paralyzed or killed. I wouldn't say you were doing anything "stupid" either. Just goes to show you that it can happen to anyone at anytime. Even the most experienced are vulnerable.

Get well.
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #6  
Wow, bad hit! This might take some time to pass, good luck to you. Stuff happens fast when the cut is finished sometimes.
One thing I don't get about your description. Sounds like the tree is around 16" diameter at the cut. You cut a slope (the notch?) on the downhill side, then you got about 2" away on the back side. That sounds like enough hinge for a 16" tree. You pulled the saw out, and thought something was wrong, though the cut kerf didn't close up. Why did you think something was wrong, because the kerf didn't open? What made you decide to run?
Not trying to harass you but if you feel like it I'm curious. Hope you feel better soon.

It was all the 16" bar wanted in one pass. I cut a slope for the tree to fall south, I got about 2" away from the back side and pulled the saw out. My first thought, this is NOT RIGHT, it should have moved before now. The saw kerf was still the same so it was still not even want to come my way. Before I could turn and run the tree clasped the saw kerf and slid down the ramp I cut, then dopped to the ground very fast.
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #7  
Dana, we'll hope for a rapid recovery.
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #9  
Hey DDT. I'm glad your at home and able to be talking to us. Man can things happen fast with trees. I am still healing from 14 stitches, a mild concushion, and a bald spot on the top of my head from an encounter with the last 5' of a 60' hardwood. Luckily my ambulance trip to ER was it and no helicopter ride, but the threatened with it if a went out. Back to you, You mess with somthing long enough it will bite. Your working your angels as hard as I'm working mine. I'm glad the tree didn't land on top of you!!! Again I'm glad your home and healing and get well soon. Robbie
 
   / I hope my story will save someone one day #10  
Sorry to hear your story but happy to know you are on your way to recovery.
 

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