 |
| Medical Leader | JESSICA HOWARD |
| GRATEFUL: Harold resident James Tackett is pictured alongside Pikeville
Medical Center Neurosurgeon Dr. Duane Densler one year after suffering a
near fatal ATV accident. |
Most people don't understand the importance of ATV safety statistics until they, or a loved one, are involved in an ATV accident.
James Tackett, 20, of Harold, experienced firsthand the importance of observing riding safety.
On August 11, 2012, at 9:25 p.m., James was riding his four-wheeler from his uncle's house to his house at 25 mph (less than a 30-second drive). In an instant, an accident left James lying on the ground, unconscious and not breathing.
After a few minutes he began breathing again and in less than 30 minutes, James was being transported by ambulance to PMC's Emergency Department (ED).
James was diagnosed with two severe skull fractures, leaving his skull severely swollen and bleeding.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Duane Densler drilled a hole in his head to relieve the skull's swelling and pressure.
Twenty-four hours later, James was taken to surgery where Dr. Densler removed a 4" x 6" circular piece of his skull from the right side of his head.
"He had such severe cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) that it was life-threatening," said Dr. Densler. "We rushed him off to surgery, where I removed a 4" x 6" bone flap from his skull to allow the brain to swell. In order to preserve the skull, we placed the flap in a pocket in his lower left abdomen."
After surgery, James stayed in a medical coma in PMC's intensive care unit (ICU) for two and a half weeks.
Peggy Tackett, James' mother, said, "During that time, his body went through so many changes and his head swelled until it was unrecognizable. If I wasn't his mom and I didn't know that was him, I wouldn't have recognized him."
Once he woke up from his coma, James continued treatment on the seventh floor and Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Hospital. James left the hospital on Sept. 7.
On October 29, James returned to the hospital for a follow-up surgery.
Today, one year later, James suffers from normal side effects from his injury, including: headaches, numbness, mood swings and dizziness.
Dr. Densler has told the family it will take at least two years for his head to completely heal.
"He is one of the lucky ones," said Dr. Densler. "Most people who have the injury he did don't survive. It was the rapid transit from the ED to surgery, the superb ICU care, and everything working together perfectly, just as it should, that helped James experience a remarkable recovery."
The Tackett family knows they have experienced a miracle.
"I truly believe if it wasn't for the good Lord and Dr. Densler, my son would not be here today," said Peggy. "Dr. Densler will always be in my heart, and if I go 20 years and do not see this man, I will think of him every day because of what he has done for my son."
After James' accident, the Tackett family lost two other family members to fatal ATV accidents. They too, were not wearing helmets.
Peggy expresses the importance of riding safely, "I want people to realize that I was blind to what could happen. Did I expect a broken leg or arm? Of course. But something this extreme? No. I don't want others to experience what I did, because it is horrible."
Peggy continued, "My life changed on August 11, and I will probably never be the same again. It's one thing when you hear of other kids being in an accident-your heart goes out to them. But, it's another thing to see your own child - your whole life - laying there. It's the worst thing. Riders need to wear helmets, and parents need to open their eyes and realize it can happen. It did happen and not even 30 seconds from home."
Having been trained in trauma care, Dr. Densler knows that James will not be the last patient he sees with this kind of injury. He stated, "The best thing to prevent brain injury while riding is wearing a helmet.
James and his family are appreciative at PMC's Neurosurgery team, as well as all the nurses and everyone who took care of them in the Emergency Department, the ICU, seventh floor and the Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Hospital.
"We thank PMC for all they did," said Peggy. "Everyone was so wonderful."
James also sends his sincere appreciation to the Toller Creek Fire Department, TransStar Emergency Services, family, friends and everyone who prayed for him.
Sources:
http://preventinjury.org
http://webmd.com