IanJ
05-25-2009, 12:36 PM
I just got off the phone with Tamra, and wanted to give you guys an update on Mike's condition. (Context for people who weren't at Spokane: Michael "Cogs" Collins, #40, crashed in turn 11 and had to be transported to Deaconess hospital.)
He's in stable condition, with the following injuries:
* Broken rib on the right side, which caused
* Lacerations to the spleen and liver
* Compression fractures in the T7, T8 and T9 vertebrae
* Minor head bump
The rib and organ injuries were making it hard for him to breathe when he was awake, but he's now on Delotid for pain, which is allowing him to sleep. Tamra says he's breathing more deeply while sleeping.
The organ injuries did bleed a little bit, but the bleeding seems to have stopped as of today, so cross your fingers that those will just heal on their own.
The spinal injury may or may not require surgery. Tamra says that he'll be transported to Harborview in the next day or two, where they'll make final determination of whether he needs surgery or not.
She said that his helmet was trashed, and described a big, puffy head injury on one side of his face, but that's been checked, and didn't cause any important damage. He's been conversing clearly and shows no signs of brain trauma.
Tamra wanted me to thank everyone who helped out, she was amazed to see that their truck had been carefully packed and only with the things they'd need. I let her know that the rest of their stuff will be held by the various people who have it until they've got time to sort it all out, in the next few weeks. She's glad to have such a supportive group of fellow racers. I'm also immensely pleased at how well we have handled this situation.
She expects Cogs to be going to Harborview in the next day or two, and will be talking to a social worker about transportation arrangements soon. I (or someone) will have an update for you when that happens. Tamra is currently without internet access, so her cellphone is the right way to contact her. Let me know via PM if you need the number.
Thanks for all your support, it means a lot to Tamra, and will continue to be very useful over the next few weeks.
- Ian #823
He's in stable condition, with the following injuries:
* Broken rib on the right side, which caused
* Lacerations to the spleen and liver
* Compression fractures in the T7, T8 and T9 vertebrae
* Minor head bump
The rib and organ injuries were making it hard for him to breathe when he was awake, but he's now on Delotid for pain, which is allowing him to sleep. Tamra says he's breathing more deeply while sleeping.
The organ injuries did bleed a little bit, but the bleeding seems to have stopped as of today, so cross your fingers that those will just heal on their own.
The spinal injury may or may not require surgery. Tamra says that he'll be transported to Harborview in the next day or two, where they'll make final determination of whether he needs surgery or not.
She said that his helmet was trashed, and described a big, puffy head injury on one side of his face, but that's been checked, and didn't cause any important damage. He's been conversing clearly and shows no signs of brain trauma.
Tamra wanted me to thank everyone who helped out, she was amazed to see that their truck had been carefully packed and only with the things they'd need. I let her know that the rest of their stuff will be held by the various people who have it until they've got time to sort it all out, in the next few weeks. She's glad to have such a supportive group of fellow racers. I'm also immensely pleased at how well we have handled this situation.
She expects Cogs to be going to Harborview in the next day or two, and will be talking to a social worker about transportation arrangements soon. I (or someone) will have an update for you when that happens. Tamra is currently without internet access, so her cellphone is the right way to contact her. Let me know via PM if you need the number.
Thanks for all your support, it means a lot to Tamra, and will continue to be very useful over the next few weeks.
- Ian #823