prayers for Theo

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

I would like to have a moment for Theo, who landed badly today at the sandbar and had to be airlifted to the hospital. Would just like to say Thanks to Patrick who helped me pull Theo out of the water and up onto the slider and to the many others who went for help and helped out. I cannot stop thinking about it and I hope someone can update me as to how he is doing. I hear there were a few other injuries today at the event site and I hope they are all doing well too.

People: we have got to be safe. We really need to have medical emergency supplies more readily available at these sites. We waited an hour before we could get the proper board and neck brace to move Theo off the slider. All I can say is thank god he kept breathing during the wait.

Any suggestions for how we can get these supplies in place? Maybe some board members can help me out?

Pepi · Fri Aug 12, 11 11:58 pm

Got an update from the family that he is staying with here in town.
They are all currently at OHSU for Theo right now.

The doctors are working on him to determine what damage he may have to his vertebrae and if he will have any longterm issues.

I'll leave it for the family to post further info as they see appropriate.

I think we can all do well to send as positive of thoughts and mojo as we can out his way.

Today was definitely a chaotic day on the water for both kiters and windsurfers. Sounds like most of the accidents just happened mostly due to regular people doing what they loved and the game of chance catching up on some.

Remember everyone, riding in shallow water is buttery fun, but that shallow water has no cushion for bad landings and I can attest from past experience, that that shit hurts to land in, even if your just falling off of a skim.

For reference on the bodyboard, there used to always be a body board available on the sandbar light tower. No longer there?

laura · Since 22 May 2007 110 Posts Stoked

Ashley, Patrick and all who else helped you were amazing. As we waited over an hour to get Theo off of the dance floor, it was clear we are not ready for water rescue. Scary, fustrating, and helpless were my feelings. We need a better plan in place for sure!! Theo was in my thoughts all night and I am holding a bright light for him.

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

Sorry to hear this, hope he recovers quickly and fully.

I've been out there before when an ambulance has been called, it takes a really long time to get people off the sandbar.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

The backboard that was tied to the tower was taken to be used as a toy and not returned.

The one thing that might have speed up the rescue would have been better communication.

When calling for an ambulance:
1) Give the best approach for the ambulance cue to 911 operator
2) Give best evaluation possible (consciousness, awareness, breathing, blood loss,…)
3) Designate person to meet the ambulance with a phone that knows where the victim is and has best info on status.
4) Send person with cell phone to victim and establish phone link between victim and person meeting the ambulance at parking lot.
5) Clear sand bar access for our truck for carrying medical personal to victim or carrying victim back to ambulance( a light truck works better then the fire department truck)

If we work together we can help speed the response of the professional medical personal

Best wishes for Theo, and thanks to all the kiteboarders that helped.

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

Bettyboarder · Sat Aug 13, 11 8:12 am

That so scary when someone gets hurts out there.

I am so sorry to hear about Theo and my thoughts are with him.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

No idea who took the backboard.

This was 2 or 3 years ago and different kids were playing with it each time.
I tied it back up a few times when I found it on the sand.
Someone probably left it on the sand for the river to take.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Sorry to here about this. Sending healing vibes...

An older gentlemen was hurt yesterday as well. From the looks of it...a serious shoulder injury. Kirsten (Cabrina rep) and a few others aided his rescue & gathered his stuff. I was pretty worried he was going to go into shock. He looked pale & his responses were a tad slow. Not sure if a wetsuit helps or not in these situations. I'll check it out with a Doctor that I know.

I re-read the event site rules next to the ladies room. Pretty interesting. It's very clear that rescue is not on the "to do" list for the Port. Not trying to tweek their nose - but that's ridiculous. I don't understand why we don't have a lifeguard with a jetski & floaty. Liability? I would think it would more liable to not do anything at all - just because you post a sign, doesn't make it right or ethical.

Nak · Sat Aug 13, 11 8:46 am

Get well soon Theo. Lots of folks pulling for you.

As far as the lifeguard & Jetski, my guess is that cost and liability are both factors. Liability laws don't really follow any obsolete notions like safety or logic. That said, if Hood River voters demand a lifeguard, the Port would likely comply.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Thoughts and prayers go out for Theo.

I suggest that kite schools carry a backboard. Every instructor should be First Aid/CPR certified so schools should be equipped with a basic first Aid Kit! The addition of a backboard as part the First Aid Kit would make sense for schools and would provide a faster response!!

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

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

Just so you guys know that only property that the port owns is the land we park on, once we are in the water we are no longer on port property, therefore they dont need to be held accountable for what happens in the water.

Why dont we make this thread about best wishes for theo instead of bitching about why we dont have a lifeguard...

It would be appropriate for a different thread to be made to discuss future safety regulations IMO.

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

The whole lifeguard thing should probably be its own thread but - most places I have seen that have lifeguards kiting is banned. This is because kiting is dangerous enough that the lifeguards don't want to be responsible if someone dies or gets injured on their watch.

Kiters also cover a huge area whereas lifeguards are generally only watching swimmers / surfers that don't go as far out or move as fast.

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

My thoughts are for Theo

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

I Just spent the night at OHSU with Theo.

He was in surgery for 4 hours to prevent further damage. They removed some shattered vertebrae, and basically screwed his neck together.
He could barely move his arms last time I saw him, and nothing below the waist.

He's stable now, but breathing and eating out of tubes, and seriously sedated.

His father is flying in to Portland from Germany, and should be here by tonight.
They're hoping to remove the breathing tube before then. His throat is pretty swollen though.

Thank you to all the people who got him into the ambulance. You did a great thing by saving this kid's life.

Let's all keep hoping that he'll regain more function.

-Levi Roeseler