The Crushing Of The Blaster

MasterBlaster

Administrator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 6, 2005
Messages
97,576
Location
Louisiana!
OK, check the attachment, and I'll 'splain this as best as I can.

When I hooked the tubular sling at point C. I knew it would probably slide up because it was a smaller (about 8 or 9 inches) smooth trunk. This wasn't much of a concern because I originally was gonna cut it at point B where a 2or 3 foot slippage would be harmless. If it happened it would be moving towards the crane and away from ME.
Like I said, harmless.

Anywho. as I was about to cut point B, the crane operator said to come on down and cut it at the base. Normally I would do that, but that woulda required me to call a groundie over to help with a tagline so the butt wouldn't hit the fence, and they were rear-ends and elbows deep cleaning up. We were kinda rushing because we wanted to knock this job out so we could do another that day. I was just gonna cut it higher (point B) and be done with it, but it WOULD be nice to take it in one lift so I called over a groundie, set a tagline and proceeded.
It would have been an easy day. :(

Here's where I made my main mistake - I FORGOT/DIDN'T THINK!!!

I didn't factor in the extra weight that was gonna be loaded on the sliding sling. The second it came off stump, the sling slid up to those forks before stopping, causing the butt to shoot to the ground. MY MISTAKE was forgetting about the slip potential of the sling, and having my foot under the load PLUS having debris around the base of the tree.
I tried to jerk my leg outta the way, but I failed. It caught the outside of my left foot, a glancing blow. I really don't know how hard it hit, and it was immediately lifted. It kinda bounced when it hit and I'm sure (even though originally they hindered me) the logs and crap plus my spurs helped to keep my foot from taking the full force of the load.

Thankfully, there was no nerve/blood vessel damage of any consequence. And again, thankfully, the three broken bones (2 metatarsals and the heel) were clean breaks that were still in position and therefore no surgery was necessary. It blew out the sides of my feet, so they sewed it up with about 40 stitches. I'm is a splint cast at the moment and on mar 9 I go back for a real cast and a check-up. THAT is when I'll know for sure what is up.

My mistakes as I see them;

1) I was under the load.

2) I completely forgot about the slipping potential. The bar was 2" too short, so I was having a hard time finishing the cut. I put myself in an akward position in an attempt to finish the cut. I also assumed it would be like any other lift - just raise and float away.

3) I was under the load.

4) I used the wrong tool (short bar) to make the cut.

5) I should have stuck to my original plan of cutting it at point B

6) I was UNDER THE LOAD!





So there you go. I feel I'm getting better every day, hence me being able to sit here for this long at the keyboard. All I've been doing since it happened is staying knocked out on meds and keeping my leg elevated. I still can't stay at the keyboard for very long.
 
C

che

Guest
good description, Butch....even I could follow/understand. glad you're able to 'write home' about it.....
 
B

Brock2saws

Guest
Sorry to hear that Butch. I'm glad you're gonna be alright in the end.

Heal fast,
BAB
 

TC3

Headache !
Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
1,504
Location
Michigan
I'm like a kid, all antsy to know, "Wha' happened, wha' happened ???"
Then you tell us & I'm like, "Oh."
Sh*t happens so fast. I'm just really, really glad you're going to be O.K., Butch.
Last night at the grocery store I backed into a parked van behind me while I was backing out of my parking spot. I've never been in a car accident, it was just a split second of distraction and an icy parking lot. A man was unloading groceries into the back of his van, and the only thing that saved his legs from getting crushed was the grocery cart between us. I couldn't stop shaking, nearly brought to my knees by the good fortune of that cart. Shit happens so fast.
 
C

Climber020

Guest
Just make sure you take it easy. No use in rushing it to make things worse. I know all too many tree guys that rush an injury cause they need the money, only to end up making things worse.

So if you need anything, give us a yell. You have plenty of buds here.
 

pantheraba

More biners!!!
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
14,996
Location
near Atlanta
I'm glad it came out as well as it did.

Thanks for the details and analysis...good lessons for all of us.

And Climber020 has it right...don't rush things...in the tree or when healing.
 
T

Tree Guy's Wife

Guest
Thanks for sharing what happened, and to second Che, in a way even I could understand.

Heal quickly!
 

sotc

Dormant hero!!
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
21,818
Location
So. Oregon
glad to read ya butch. weve all done something that weve got away with,i guess once in awhile we dont. heal up
 
R

RIVERRAT

Guest
Butch GREAT explanation as to what happened. Based on your description I am happy for you it wasn't worse. Your down time would for me, mentally be hard to take. Stay Happy!!

Crap happens. If we are fortunate enough we learn from it...... I have & just did.
 
F

Frans

Guest
Ouch! 40 stitches! Ouch!
I guess your boot kept the injury from being even worse.
Man take care of that.

Also dont eat too much while laying around.
 
T

TheTreeSpyder

Guest
Hate to hear this dude! Remember old farts heal slower (so remember that when you get older).

It is my preferance to make small humboldt(s) to bed the sling or rope into when there is no branch or swell to dawg it choke against.
 

squisher

THE CALM ONE!!!!
Joined
Sep 25, 2006
Messages
23,899
Location
Vernon, B.C.
Shit luck man, rest up and heal up. Thanks for sharing your lesson so new guys like me can learn from it.:thumbup:
 

Buzz

AKA Matt :)
Joined
Jul 23, 2005
Messages
352
Location
Scotland
Ouch Butch I bet that made your eyes water i did a similar thing lowering once luckly the branch stuck in a crotch so i didn't take the full weight on my foot.

Get well soon matey :)
 

Paul B

I dig hammocks.
Joined
Mar 6, 2005
Messages
12,711
Location
Burnaby BC
heal up good Butch. and watch that grub intake whilest on the mend ;) Thanks for being honest and having the guts to post what happened, lets all take a moment today and learn from it.
 

SteveBullman

TreeHouser
Joined
Jun 12, 2005
Messages
676
Location
Suffolk, UK
i hope your spurs are ok!
just kidding, just shows how quick things can happen that can affect our lives so much.....hope you're up and about soon mate!
 
H

Hobby Climber

Guest
Geez Butch, sorry to hear about your foot & all. Heal up fast and be more carefull nex time! Ya got a bunch of friends here who are concerned and are glad your OK. HC
 
Top