Re: [RC] [RC] Helmets . . . Again - Linda S. Flemmer
Frank,
I'm happy if relating a real experience at the Rehab
hospital reached even one person.
It's funny. I rode as a kid without a helmet unless it was
"dangerous", like jumping. All of my REAL accidents have been when I least
expected them. On safe horses, doing routine things, etc.
Both my husband & I are living examples of lives saved through
helmets.
I had a fall wearing a helmet where I was unconscious for days & don't
remember a thing about the accident. I had no balance for several months
(couldn't walk) and had expressive aphasia. I knew WHAT I wanted to say,
but couldn't find the words to do it. My helmet was split into 3 pieces
from the impact. I have no doubt that I would have died without it.
I've worked very hard to recover, but still have some subtle deficits.
This fall was't the first or the last where a helemt saved me from further
injury.
My husband got on a friend's horse to see how he liked a saddle. He
had no sooner gotten on when the horse was threatened by another horse.
The horse Mike was on reared up & went over backwards. Mike bailed out
rather than get crushed, but hit his head on a rock & split open his
helmet.
I feel naked without a helmet now days... Mike & I are too
precious to each other to not wear one when we ride.
The folks who had serious falls & head injuries without helmets
generally aren't here to tell their stories, so I suspect that this
discussion will always be a bit one sided. :-(
