prayers for Theo

laura · Since 22 May 2007 110 Posts Stoked

I was there, I was also one of the first responders. FYI Ashleigh who was there saw it as well, she is a nurse, that was the biggest relief at the time, I am certified in cpr but I felt so relieved thatshe could handle it if necessary. Our fear was for his breathing to stop, Theo was in really rough shape but I felt we kept him as calm as we could. He basically threw a railey, missed the landing and hit the water/ bottom hard. The guy that jumped on Theos kite REALLY was on it and that alone probable saved his life. Ashleigh was watching the session we were having so she was able to get to him as he was floating after the impact. Patrick was right there as well. Having the dancefloor right there was key. Getting him up there and stable until he could get the rescue. Theo def. was aware in alot of ways of what was happening. I knew his injuries were severe to say the least. Please feel free to contact me with anymore details, 541 400 0282.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Whats the word on Theo today? Hope he is still recovering ahead of schedule!

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

my thoughts are with theo and his family.
it breaks my heart hearing about what happened.
thank you to ashleigh, laura and those whose actions helped before the medics came to his aide.
keep positive thoughts.

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

I didn't see it happen but was right there riding when it happened. I saw the kites down and thought some people were just tangled, so I turned to go back out. I turned around and came a little closer to see what was up and a kid started waving me over. Ashley and Patrick had Theo face up in the water along with another kid who was there most of the time. I rode around trying to help rescuers get to the right spot as there were already 3 or 4 people with him. There was definitely confusion on the rescuers part with the other injury occurring just prior to Theo's. I think that Sean had told someone at the Marina beach to call 911.
I Rode up the mouth of the hood and hollered for the sand bar crew to call 911 and be ready for the ambulance to tell them where to go. They were on it. Inept said he saw the whole thing go down from the parking lot. He said Theo did a Raley to face/head plant. That water is pretty shallow with a sandy bottom. Definitely less than 3 ft. and probably less than 2 ft.
I rode back out and found a lady on the sandbar with a cell phone that was on with 911. She didn't speak very good english so I told the dispatcher what ashley had told me " possible spinal injury, unconcious (spelling?) at the time, but he was breathing" and I also told her that the victim was in the mouth of the Hood River where the ramps and rails are and that rescuers would need to access via the sandbar or with the sheriff's boat.

After what seemed like 15 min or so, I saw rescue crews arrive at the sandbar parking lot just as I saw the sheriff's boat heading out of the marina. They gave Sean a backboard that he took to the group while I tried to direct them through the deepest part of the river mouth, but it was too shallow for them to make it very far. Sheriff Wampler jumped out and arrived around the same time as rescuers coming out from the sandbar as well as Levi's mom.

Patrick (dready guy?), Ashley, Laura, Steve, bunch of people there to help out. So good for everyone involved that Ashley was there. She knew what to do with out hesitation.
Hope things get better for him. Been thinking about it everyday.

For whatever my opinion is worth, I think that everyone involved did a great job managing the situation, coordinating rescue efforts, and keeping Theo as stable and as comfortable as possible. It might be good for the Hood River Rescue team to have a smaller boat on hand like a zodiac that a couple of guys could portage easily over sandbars. It might make getting there, and transporting the victim back easier

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

Today we're making a huge card for Theo.

He could really use the positive vibes and support.

We hope to fill a 3 ft by 3 ft card with signed pictures of people who are praying for him, and thinking of him.

Just send me a pic, a name, and maybe a personal message. It will all go on the card.
We're hoping to give the card to him tonight, but we can always add pictures later too.

Levi

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

Well, I am very glad that I happened to be standing close by and was able to help out, I would do the same for any person I ever see out kiting, although I hope to never experience this again. Theo did a raley(sp?), lost wind I think, and went down head first. I watched to see if he would get up and when he didn't move, I ran. Patrick released his kite and took off his boots while I stabilized his neck. Matt and some others called for and properly directed the EMS. I knew right away he had broken his neck because as a nurse, I assessed him for this immediately. I stabilized his neck the entire time and got him flat on the platform because the water was moving and without a board, its impossible to keep someone flat and not moving while floating in water. I continued to try to keep Theo calm and breathing, assessing his vitals, and not allowing him to be moved without the neck brace.

I understand what people have posted in regards to emergency equipment and needing the knowledge and experience in order to use them properly. And I completely agree that it couldn't hurt to take some cpr or first aid classes. I guess I was just frustrated because I knew exactly what I needed (a board and a c-spine) and didn't have them. But on this day, I was a fellow kiter, not the emergency personnel. I'm just glad that I was there to help out. Fortunately, it sounds like our kite community has a lot of nurses, doctors, and paramedics who are out on the water Smile

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

Best wishes to Theo and his Family.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

[quote="PinkyBoarder"]Well, I am very glad that I happened to be standing close by and was able to help out, I would do the same for any person I ever see out kiting, although I hope to never experience this again. Theo did a raley(sp?), lost wind I think, and went down head first. I watched to see if he would get up and when he didn't move, I ran. Patrick released his kite and took off his boots while I stabilized his neck. Matt and some others called for and properly directed the EMS. I knew right away he had broken his neck because as a nurse, I assessed him for this immediately. I stabilized his neck the entire time and got him flat on the platform because the water was moving and without a board, its impossible to keep someone flat and not moving while floating in water. I continued to try to keep Theo calm and breathing, assessing his vitals, and not allowing him to be moved without the neck brace.

I understand what people have posted in regards to emergency equipment and needing the knowledge and experience in order to use them properly. And I completely agree that it couldn't hurt to take some cpr or first aid classes. I guess I was just frustrated because I knew exactly what I needed (a board and a c-spine) and didn't have them. But on this day, I was a fellow kiter, not the emergency personnel. I'm just glad that I was there to help out. Fortunately, it sounds like our kite community has a lot of nurses, doctors, and paramedics who are out on the water Smile

[/quote

I wish him the best . A full recovery .

I have a c6-c7 fusion(1982 mva ) and only for the fact that someone like you Pinkyboarder , an off duty nurse was at the scene for me initially as well . Without the knowledge of a trained nurse driving by on her way home from work , I wouldn't have had a chance and hopefully this young mans chances for a full recovery are good as well .
A big thanks to your profession !
Another big thanks to everyone who helped this young man . Now it's up to nature and him.
A concerned fellow kiter .
JackZ

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

Finally, what we've all been waiting for: a small piece of good news.

Today Theo started to regain some sensation in his bottom!

The flood of supportive messages and gifts is absolutely amazing.

THANK YOU.

Nak · Mon Aug 15, 11 4:45 pm

That is Damn good news!!!!! HooRa!

forrest · Mon Aug 15, 11 4:48 pm

Levi, is there a facebook page where we can share our support?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Great news Levi!

captain crusty · Since 30 Aug 2005 92 Posts PDX

go go go go go!

marina · Since 16 Jan 2006 150 Posts California coast Stoked

so happy to hear this. The NW community is very special and the positive vibes and well wishes will go a long way in helping Theo's spirits and recovery efforts.

When we created the website and facebook face for Kinsley of Xtreme Big Air here in California who suffered a spinal cord injury last July, Jamie his wife would read him people's postings which would always bring a bigger smile to his face. Being surrounded by pictures of loved ones and well wishes also made for a positive environment during his rehab.....

Chong · Since 21 Oct 2009 27 Posts LA/FL/MX

wishing you a speedy recovery amigo

Bigbeezer · Since 31 Aug 2008 33 Posts Portland, OR

Ditto been praying for you every day Theo! You have a lot of folks pullin' for ya!