Went out last night as always - did my local trails but added a few of the DH sections in. Did the steep technical bits and drops no probs. There is a fast rollout round a few trees on pine needles. Ended up going a bit quick after a small jump and trying to slow down to sweep right before a tree.
Front end washed out and I went into the base of the tree head first. Almighty crack, double vision, stars and a feeling that I had been ran over.
Back to car a bit shook up, drove to local A&E as my neck was aching with shooting pain going into shoulder.
Before I know it I was surrounded by nurses, docs and paramedics putting me onto Spinal board and into Ambulance to go to bigger hospital. All in all bloody good service by the old NHS, I remember sitting round A&E when I was a kid but last night I was straight in and sorted quickly.
X-rays confirm no spinal damage just a blow to the head and whiplash type injury you would get similar to a car crash.
Anyway - wife was past herself when I rang her to tell her I was on way to big hospital in an Ambulance, especially as we are expecting our first in a couple of months. Lying on the spinal boards makes you think about the consequences of your actions somewhat and what we sometimes put our loved ones through as we piss about in the woods.
Moral of the story - wear your helmet!
Good your ok.
So were you wearing a helmet??
confirmation - yes i was wearing a helmet.
Thats what caused your whiplash type injuries*
*[i]according to TJ[/i]
Glad your ok mate. Not nice having a big spill, no matter what anyone says.
As for the NHS, yeah, for things like this they really do turn it on.
Its always a reality check having a big crash, but at the end of the day we do it because we get an adrenalin rush otherwise we/i wouldn't do it. Glad to hear you're OK though, good job you were wearing that helmet otherwise bottom line, you wouldn't be here now.
As for the NHS i totally agree, my mate has a smash at whinnlatter, headfirst into the floor. Turned up at Carlisle hospital who rushed him through and we were out (with him stitched up) in three hours! Top service.
umm nhs rules is there any doubt about this?
My top tip is never go out riding the night before you go on holiday, especially if its a holiday the wife has arranged so you can ride your bike..............
you were lucky to be seen straight (glad your ok) ! its all about your specific injuries as to how 'soon you are seen' in 'A & E'.. once through the doors and at the hospital desk they decide how 'needy' you are to be seen by a doctor...and you get pushed up the top of the list if its a head injury ..
glad you were wearing a helmet.... numptys who dont think- 'it wont happen to them'.... trees are everywhere ! always wear a helmet 😉