2far,ELB wrote:WOW. I am sorry you had this collision, but glad it was not worse. That was a close one.
In areas where the nearest trauma hospital is some distance away, helicopter rides for car accidents are pretty common. There is more or less a standard set of criteria for deciding who flies, and head trauma with Loss of consciousness would point towards a ride. That said, if you are fully competent (alert and oriented) you can refuse any medical treatment, but the first responders are going to strongly recommend you go to the trauma center ASAP -- the effects of head injuries can take awhile to show up, but then it is a bit late to decide maybe you should have gone for the ride after all.
Happy retirement, btw.
ELB said it before I had a chance. Looking at the pics the FF/FR's called the bird because; 1) mechanism of injury. Any time a considerable portion of the vehicle intrudes into the passenger compartment you will be given a priority. 2) head injuries can be, and often are deadly, the brain is an amazing thing. It compensates very well and can do so for awhile.... right up to the moment it is to late and it shuts down. So while you my have been mostly "with it" answering questions, even walking etc... if it were compensating for a serious unseen/unsee-able injury it could shut down at any time and if you are standing on the side of the road or laying in the back of the box, 20 minutes away from the ER. Well.... you'd have been done. So head injuries also get a priority. When you put the two together you get the bird.
The bill will not be good, no disagreement there. Just know that the FF/FR taking care of you thought it was a necessity.
Looking at the pics, all I can say is wow.
Glad you are okay.