While flipping through the TV channels the other day a teaser, (a short blurp of an upcoming story), A motorcyclist walked into the ER with about a 5 foot long 1 1/2 inch tree branch sticking through his helmet shield. This was on DHF; Discovery Health & Fitness channel. I figure they will have it on again, if you want to catch the full story. A young man riding his motorcycle lost control of his motorcycle, and as he said, “…luckily a brush pile broke his fall….” He righted his motorcycle, hopped back on and headed to the ER. When he came in he proceeded explaining what happened and came to the ER because he was hot, and couldn’t get his helmet off. He was very nonchalant about the whole thing. Like this happens everyday. The motorcyclist was wearing a full face helmet, with shield. The branch punctured the shield, and proceeded through the cheek into the neck. The doctors had to borrow pruners from the hospital maintenance crew, cut the branch about 4-5 inches up from the shield; just so they could remove the helmet. They proceeded to pull the branch out. Checked for further injury, sewed him up. He left the ER just as if nothing unusual had happened and rode his motorcycle home. The reason I wrote about this is to demonstrate, that although we take precautions and do what we need to do; protective clothing, helmet and shield; and aware of our surroundings. we are still at the mercy of the unexpected. I don’t know, but I suspect his injuries might have been greater if he had not had his helmet on. But what I want to say is protect ourselves as we might, a freak accident can still sneak in on you. Just be careful, and enjoy your ride. That Is How I See It. Post Views: 122