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O.T. slammed

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/19/2005 : 21:48:22

Ok Oscar, I'm going to try a non sailing post. I'm usually so busy that I can only scan the threads and reply briefly once in a while.

As many of you know I am a senior Alpine Patroler with the National Ski Patrol. Last friday while on duty an out of control skier colided with me and knocked me cold. I recall the sound of the collision but nothing else till my fellow patrolers were loading me into a toboggan for transport to our first aid station. Needless to say I was concussed and would be taking a few days of quiet rest to recover.

Now then that's my explanation for posting much more in the past four days than usual. If for some reason I seem to repeat my self or become overly aggressive, should I become nauseating (no that's nauseated) forgive me, I've had a bump on the head.

John V.
Nin Bimash II
Neebish Island, MI
77 C25 sk/sr #153

Edited by - on

coach
Navigator

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USA
231 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2005 : 22:47:10

Pass the oxycontin please!

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2005 : 23:09:43

I don't ski, at least not on snow but I'm sure you provide a much needed service in what you do, and I envy you that you have a job as adventurous as yours but... how many fingers am I holding up?

It's apparent they have you on some really good medication.

Good luck with with your recovery, and don't wait for another bump on the head to make you post more!

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 00:01:09

two..........wait no.......three?

Edited by - John V. on 01/20/2005 00:01:56

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 08:39:17

Had a violent collision on the hockey rink last night. He was a 6'4" defenceman, weight.......hmmmmm, big. I am 6', 206. We met face to face accidentally at center ice under full steam. What a crash! He went down and I survived unscathed. It's one of the few times when I've been involved in a collison on the ice and it wasn't my fault. I'm one of two players in the league over 40 (I'm 55) and everyone was concerned about me. It's was nice to be fussed over.

Perhaps I, John, and others like us are getting a little old for the some of the recreational activities we pursue, or so some of my friends tell me. I'm playing in two hockey leagues, which doubles my chances of serious injury. I still love it though and plan on continuing for a few more years.

Hope you are doing fine John and raring to go this summer.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 09:39:04

Sorry to hear about your injury. As you are probably painfully aware, there's a raging battle going on regarding skiers vs. snowboarders, with snowboarders considered the "PWC's" of the slopes. (There, got the boating reference in.) Were you hit by a skier or a snowboarder?

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 10:19:32

I'm not trying to be funny but I was hit by an Amish skier.
Before they reach 21 the Amish kids are free to do a lot of things that they will have to give up when they officially join the church.
You wouldn't believe it but we have quite a few under age drinking and DUI (you'd think if the horse is sober it would be ok) buggy incidents. There are more Amish in this part of Ohio than there are in Pennsylvania.
feeling much better today. Though 51 I'm not about to give up adventure sports, it keeps me young. Al just keep the tylenol coming, and keep your stick on the Ice.

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 10:56:17

John,

The last time I went skiing (the second time) a snowboarder wanted to skim the old man and struck the trailing ends of my skis, knocking me chin first into the pack.

He was apologetic, Not!

I was so shocked and stunned I did not have presence of mind to splinter his board on top of his grungy head!

Jim

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 12:33:30

My “friends” in high school invited me go skiing with them on the slopes at Vail, Colorado. Back then (1964) the rental skis were all wood, with bear trap bindings and chewed up rounded edges (metal edges were only on the newest models). As we got off the first chair lift, my buddies said they wanted to go ski the “bowls” and because this was my first time on skis, I should glide across the Meadows to get things figured out…until I found the beginner run, MARKED WITH A BLACK DIAMOND. As I shuffled across the Meadows, sometimes propelling myself with my poles, I thought, man this ain’t so tough. Having gained some confidence, I kept an eye peeled for the recommended trail. Through the semi whiteout conditions, I could just barely make out a trail sign ahead. Poling myself with enthusiasm, I saw the big black diamond my friends told me about. Before forward momentum could be stopped, the tips of my skis hung out in thin air for just a nano second as gravity drew me over the lip of the men’s Olympic giant slalom course, “Giant Steps”. There was nothing beneath me but air. Now that I look back on it, I probably should have been paid for all the trail grooming I did with my body. When I finally came to a stop, and figured out I wasn’t dead…although death was on my mind…it seemed the only way out of this mess was down. By heading in a straight traverse across the face of this steep run, I could descend maybe 30 feet with each crossing. Of course the problem was turning when reaching the edge of the run. This was accomplished (because I didn’t know how to stop, other than falling down) by heading straight off the run into the chest deep powder and trees. I would then wallow around, removing my skis and swim back to the edge of the run to set myself up for another traverse. This method produced me at the bottom of Giant Steps at the same time my friends returned from skiing their “bowls”, later that day. Having been taught as a youngster, if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all…I had no comments to the sporadic laughter that would occasionally interrupt the drive home conversation. I hope this read helps your recoup go a little quicker John. Todd Frye

Edited by - on

Waterboy
Navigator

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USA
204 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 15:20:32

Skiing was my avocation of choice for years and years. Raised in the midwest, we never made it to Michigan, but went up to Minnesota to ski Afton Alps, Welch Village et al. I remember being able to see the grass underneath about 10" of ice. In junior high (mid 70's - eww) we piled in the Family Truckster and headed to Colorado for the first time - I still recall Long's Peak emerging from the horizon as we proceeded westward across the eastern plains of Colorado. I was mesmerized by mountains and forgot all about sailboats for about 30 years. Started undergrad in Ft Collins and skiied on the weekends when I could scrape up lift ticket money. When I moved to Montana I thought I was a pretty good skiier - the local boys set me straight, but after a dozen season passes at Bridger Bowl with annual forays to Jackson and the 'ghee, I got better. We skiied the areas on weekday mornings, and took snowmobiles into the backcountry to ski chutes or climb frozen waterfalls on the weekends when the lift lines were too long. When I moved to Oregon I put cross-country bindings on an old pair of Hexcels 'cuz Mt Bachelor and Hoodoo didn't have anything steep enough to make alpine skiing interesting. Went heli-skiing in BC a few years ago - $$ but wow. Made ski descents of Mt Shasta and Mt Washington and many minor peaks. I've never been injured save the time I broke my arm in three places after misjudging a compression and flying into a pile of boulders - drove myself to the hospital in a manual transmission pickup 'cuz my buddies were all chasing skirts.

I still ski a few times a year - I use a helmet now. They're warm, great for skiing the trees, and deflecting the errant snowboarder.

'glad you're OK John.

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 15:29:03

I think my recreational direction is toward water in any state (think physics not geography)

much better, skied yesterday, feeling cautious but spent most of my time in the patrol building taking care of others. Not a bad shift, a couple of knees, a wrist and a concussion. Many of the people we help are kids that are just worn out and cold. I do take all my patrol first aid equipment on the boat so if you are cruising with me you have a trained EMT on hand.

Edited by - on

Waterboy
Navigator

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USA
204 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 17:05:04

I keep thinking I've given up skiing, but man, when snow falls ... it's like when a deskbound sailor passes a bay with whitecaps, or glimpses a bare mast above a resevoir marina of motorboats.

Skiied Targhee a couple weeks ago with an old college buddy - I had to actually rent tele gear. My legs were weak but I remembered how to do it - about 10" fresh, deeper in windblown pillows. First time I skiied the 'ghee the lifties were all potato farmers in coveralls - now they're college students on sabbatical.

But I digress - gotta go help the ice melt now.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 21:12:44

Hmmm, why am I suddenly being being mentioned as a prelude to off topic behaviour?

And since I am, I'll remark that your thread title was confusing, but in your condition that is easily explained.

So were you wearing a helmet? I do. I've been a part time off and on ski instructor for years, mostly beginning skiers. It is extremely gratifying to take people who are smart enougn to come to us, and in a few hours teach them enough to start having some fun, somewhat in CONTROL. I've seen some very scary things over the years. You have too, as the mop up crew. Thanks for being there.

It is a delicate balance. On the one hand you want to fill your mountain with anyone who is fit enough to get a ticket and rent the stuff. If you start REALLY enforcing the rules, which inevitably would result in the expulsion of fifty punks the first day, boarders yes, but also skiers, you would get a reputation for being a tough, no fun mountain, and drive business away...on the other hand you might aslo attract people that like a safe mountain. Heck, I think it might even be a good idea to require some sort of demonstrated ability for more demanding terrain. Would cut down on insurance, which could translate in lower ticket prices...as those are going out of control too....But he, I'm not running the show, what do I know anyway?

When we spot the most egregious offenders we "arrest" them (this is fun) and make them watch a safety video. Then there's the no charge tour of the sick bay, with explanations of various torture devices, and pointing out of dried blood stains on the floor.....sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.

Again, I make my kids wear a helmet, I recommend my students wear one, and I lead by example. Sort of like the life vest thing.....it's not uncool to be safe.

Oscar
C42 # 76 "Lady Kay" (Ex. C250 WB #618 )
Georgetown MD/Fort Lauderdale FL

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2005 : 21:44:44

Two years ago, my older daughter, professional ski patroller in Steamboat Springs, CO, was buried in an avalanche in Utah--fortunately while skiing with other patrollers who located her and dug her out before she expired (but not my much). She is proud of the mark on her back from the probe that found her 5-6' under. (That, folks, is a long way down!) Others in her group that day are still shaken by that event to this day. My telephone rang as she was being choppered out to Salt Lake City...

This past week, some people in Utah weren't as fortunate. But they were skiing where they were expressly not supposed to be. Helmets are important, signs are important, rules are important, and vigilance is important. There are lots of parallels to sailing.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/20/2005 21:48:19

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2005 : 14:21:27

You said it Dave,

I took NSP's basic avalanche course and learned how to run a probe line and to do search patterns with electronic locators. Here in Ohio the only avalanche injury I have heard of was a farmer who was buried as a heavy snow pack came sliding off the metal roof of his barn. Since we ski all over country we all need the training. Your daughter is extremely lucky and was with people who know rescue techniques. I read that part of your post with a gasp. Most NSP members are constantly training in search, extrication, and outdoor emergency care. and yes any time you are in the natural environment use caution and safety equipment. and by all means a closed sign means closed!!

Yes Oscar I wear a helmet religiously, (pfd and harness too) and sorry I brought your name into it. you had started that thread about a new forum for off topic posts, and the consensus seemed to be that the general forum could tolerate a few of our tangents.

With that lets get back to sailing!!

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2005 : 17:10:15

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">sorry I brought your name into it<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Don't be, I don't care. In fact I thought it was funny.

Wow, concussed with a helmet.....imagine without...

Oscar
C42 # 76 "Lady Kay" (Ex. C250 WB #618 )
Georgetown MD/Fort Lauderdale FL

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2005 : 17:17:05

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oscar
 Wow, concussed with a helmet.....imagine without...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
In a skier-to-skier collision, it can be due to the whiplash effect--I have some experience with exactly that.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2005 : 19:30:23

Hi there folks
Waiting for spring here

While taking a year off from work, a few years ago, working through my mid life crisis, I got a job for a season (88-89)as ski instructor at Jackson Hole.
Best job I ever had.
Great benefits.
420" of snow that season.
Yee Ha
Faster, and faster, until the fear of death overcomes the thrill of speed.

Frank

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2005 : 18:04:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Faster, and faster, until the fear of death overcomes the thrill of speed.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

At which point you panic and forget how to stop.....

Oscar
C42 # 76 "Lady Kay" (Ex. C250 WB #618 )
Georgetown MD/Fort Lauderdale FL

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2005 : 19:29:04

and thats when the guy hit me...

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