This story has a happy ending. Seems that you're doing just fine, Lloyd. No lasting injuries, and no brain damage from oxygen deprivation!
Thanks all for the kind words. Truth be told, I don't feel any sense of elation or heroism, just relief.
When I first saw Lloyd's face -- completely white from the hypoxia, eyes open and completely glazed over -- I was scared shitless that he was dead. Then, when it was clear that he wasn't quite dead, I was scared that I would let him die because I wasn't performing the rescue properly.
The timing of it all is absolutely remarkable. Lloyd was lying face down in the water. Given how white he was when I found, he had to have been that way for at least one, two, or three minutes. Every second counted:
http://www.med.umich.edu/trans/transweb/faq/q3.shtml
Turning Lloyd over and blowing air into his mouth was critical, of course. But compressing his chest to get the water out was just as important. I was trained as a lifeguard many, many years ago (22 years ago, to be precise) in Canada. Back then, I don't think that chest compressions to expel water was taught. I remember "put victim on his side in case of vomiting or to drain water." I encourage everyone to read this:
http://heimlichinstitute.com/page.php?id=21
A happy outcome, but a bizarre accident. Lloyd doesn't remember anything after "going up for a jump." How did he end up face down, with three gallons of water in his lungs, in three feet of water? Apparently, he has no injuries. No bump on his head, no bruises. When I found him, he wasn't tangled in the lines. The kite wasn't dragging him. What happened???
It turns out that the GoPro on my kite was running. It doesn't show much, just me kiting past Lloyd's downed kite, then dropping my kite and running over. I'll edit the footage and post it here, in case anyone is interested.
--Marc
Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
Moderator: MK
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
I am from south haven and i see loyd almost every time the wind is blowing . when i heard from drew that loyd had a accident ,i was shocked loyd is great guy . i started kiting 2 years ago and one of the things i like about kiting is that about 98% of all the guys that kite would go out of their way to help fix or just give advise. and i thank god that you were there to save loyd . kiters willingness to help those in need with out hesitation is one of thing i like about most kiters thanks again marc!
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
Marc,
Without a doubt, it's a great idea to be up to date with CPR/First Aid certifications. It might be a good idea for local groups to organize a training session with Red Cross. I believe the First Aid is good for 3 years and the CPR is good for 1 year (?) but even if it has been several years since the last certification the techniques learned in the course could make all the difference in the world. (I'll try to speak with our locals over here about organizing a 2012 Spring seminar).
I would really like to see your GoPro footage of the rescue and I think it might be very useful for others to see how it was handled. Thank god you were in shallow water, as I am sure deep water would add a lot of challenges.
Even if you don't "feel like a hero" I am sure everyone thinks of you as such. And even though you did what might have seemed "natural" by coming to someone's aid it does take some courage AND also knowing exactly what to do in those first few moments of assistance.
Again...hat's off to you,,,well done man!
Without a doubt, it's a great idea to be up to date with CPR/First Aid certifications. It might be a good idea for local groups to organize a training session with Red Cross. I believe the First Aid is good for 3 years and the CPR is good for 1 year (?) but even if it has been several years since the last certification the techniques learned in the course could make all the difference in the world. (I'll try to speak with our locals over here about organizing a 2012 Spring seminar).
I would really like to see your GoPro footage of the rescue and I think it might be very useful for others to see how it was handled. Thank god you were in shallow water, as I am sure deep water would add a lot of challenges.
Even if you don't "feel like a hero" I am sure everyone thinks of you as such. And even though you did what might have seemed "natural" by coming to someone's aid it does take some courage AND also knowing exactly what to do in those first few moments of assistance.
Again...hat's off to you,,,well done man!
-
drew clark
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:28 pm
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
just wanted to say thanks to marc for his efforts in saving my friend and fellow kiter lloyd good work marc and i wish you a happy holiday season
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
Hey Marc,
I am another of the many kiters in the Chicago/Michigan area that want to thank you for saving Lloyd's life. Your selfless actions are an inspiration to us all. I have read numerous posts about taking CPR training and re-emphasizing the importance of looking out for each other. You have had an effect on the entire kiting community and have shown a positive light on the sport we all love (and God knows we need all of the positive feedback we can get!).
Thanks again! The welcome mat is out for you and your bros at all of our beautiful Lake Michigan kite beaches!
Peace!
Ray
I am another of the many kiters in the Chicago/Michigan area that want to thank you for saving Lloyd's life. Your selfless actions are an inspiration to us all. I have read numerous posts about taking CPR training and re-emphasizing the importance of looking out for each other. You have had an effect on the entire kiting community and have shown a positive light on the sport we all love (and God knows we need all of the positive feedback we can get!).
Thanks again! The welcome mat is out for you and your bros at all of our beautiful Lake Michigan kite beaches!
Peace!
Ray
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
Amazing story.
I happened to see a link in Google News that they changed the Canadian guidelines for the C in ABC mentioned in the heimlichinstitute.com link above.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/200 ... 51128.html
I happened to see a link in Google News that they changed the Canadian guidelines for the C in ABC mentioned in the heimlichinstitute.com link above.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/200 ... 51128.html
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
Marc...thanks for that amazing account. I met Lloyd for the first time yesterday out on the flats and it was surprising how alert and healthy he looked considering how extreme the event really was. While dialing 911 was critically important, I am surprised that the person on the jet ski did not offer more assistance. I would think it would have been a great help in dealing with Lloyds condition. We all thank you for your level headed response.
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
I spoke with Lloyd today. Based on bruising and other circumstantial evidence, he believes that he had done a big jump, probably looped the kite on the way down and hit the water hard enough to knock off his helmet and render him unconscious. I think I'm going to take CPR, keep wearing helmets and remain vigilant in keeping my eye on other kiters. As much as I want to say or think it's not a dangerous sport, it definitely can be and we all need to be there for each other. Great job Marc.
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident at South Padre
I vote this one should be sticky up at the top for at least a month.
Re: Very Near Tragic Incident- additional thoughts from Scot
Scott from Alaska asked me to post his thoughts on the thread after reading the posts as he was riding North flats that day. I can relate to Scotts post as I have the same poor eye sight. Scott brings up a interesting point about releasing the kite as a method of alerting others, not sure I agree with that as having a loose kite could be a danger to others. This however is a learning opportunity for all of us and a time to reflect on how best to handle this type of incident in the future.
Scotts Post:
To build on Marc's excellent lessons learned, I'd like to offer up a few other insights. I was kiting at North Flats that day and rode within 50 yards of the rescue effort a few times without knowing any thing was wrong. I have poor eye sight at distance and have given up wearing prescription lenses on the water. Contacts can't correct my astigmatism, so I essentially kite with semi poor visibility. I see well enough to know where people are and keep track of kites but don't really see the details of what people are doing.
I knew there were problems that day; however, the rescue was carried out in an area where lessons and learning regularly take place--right outside the buoys. From my perspective there were a couple kites down, possibly tangled, or maybe a buddy helping another get his kite untangled. I stayed away from the kiters to prevent any contact and add to a bad situation. This practice and poor eye sight prevented me from comprehending that a life threatening accident had occurred.
I did however watch what was going on to see if anyone was getting dragged out or caught in lines. When I saw no dynamic or harried activity, I'd turn and ride back out for awhile. On a pass back in, I saw several kiters lifting a body out of the water and immediately knew that there was a situation beyond beginner kite troubles. I felt terrible for being out kiting while Marc and others were fighting to save Lloyd. I was close enough to help early on but had no idea that there were issues beyond a downed kite.
My lessons learned on that day follow and provide a different perspective that I hope others can learn from. Marc did every thing right, and I think of the points below as being paramount for the second on the scene to aid in getting the word out. This experience has made me reflect on what I'm prepared for, and how I will respond in the future if ever discovering a fellow kiter in sever need.
(1.) With high winds and water noise, calling to others even nearby could be impossible. I think I'll start carrying a small whistle similar to what is carried by whitewater kayakers and rafters. For every guy that can't see very well, there is probably one that doesn't hear very well. Conducting rescues with aid from the deaf and blind necessitates some thought.
(2.) To signal others, highly over exaggerated arm waving is needed to signify a problem. Assuming there are other riders in the area, the first person to reach a hurt kiter (or other person) should try to notify one other rider before commencing CPR or other aid. That second rider then can (and should immediately) take up the task of contacting others. Even though I looked directly at the rescue effort many times, I had no idea there was an issue because there were no exaggerated movements to clue me in. (Maybe there were at points, just not while I happened to be watching.)
(3.) In an area where a kite can be jettisoned safely and is not needed for floatation, I think I would consider releasing the kites. This hopefully would signal others that major problems are afoot and potentially bring other riders around. I always try to retrieve a rider-less kite after I'm sure the rider is okay. Additionally working sans kites might simplify or elevate the effectiveness of first aid, CPR, or other efforts. With kites well away from the people, another kiter might be able to ride in and provide drag assistance if needed.
(Ideally this person would be very proficient. It's good for people to understand their limits because I've witnessed bad things get much worse with "help" from those not understanding the situation or not having skills that contribute.)
Scotts Post:
To build on Marc's excellent lessons learned, I'd like to offer up a few other insights. I was kiting at North Flats that day and rode within 50 yards of the rescue effort a few times without knowing any thing was wrong. I have poor eye sight at distance and have given up wearing prescription lenses on the water. Contacts can't correct my astigmatism, so I essentially kite with semi poor visibility. I see well enough to know where people are and keep track of kites but don't really see the details of what people are doing.
I knew there were problems that day; however, the rescue was carried out in an area where lessons and learning regularly take place--right outside the buoys. From my perspective there were a couple kites down, possibly tangled, or maybe a buddy helping another get his kite untangled. I stayed away from the kiters to prevent any contact and add to a bad situation. This practice and poor eye sight prevented me from comprehending that a life threatening accident had occurred.
I did however watch what was going on to see if anyone was getting dragged out or caught in lines. When I saw no dynamic or harried activity, I'd turn and ride back out for awhile. On a pass back in, I saw several kiters lifting a body out of the water and immediately knew that there was a situation beyond beginner kite troubles. I felt terrible for being out kiting while Marc and others were fighting to save Lloyd. I was close enough to help early on but had no idea that there were issues beyond a downed kite.
My lessons learned on that day follow and provide a different perspective that I hope others can learn from. Marc did every thing right, and I think of the points below as being paramount for the second on the scene to aid in getting the word out. This experience has made me reflect on what I'm prepared for, and how I will respond in the future if ever discovering a fellow kiter in sever need.
(1.) With high winds and water noise, calling to others even nearby could be impossible. I think I'll start carrying a small whistle similar to what is carried by whitewater kayakers and rafters. For every guy that can't see very well, there is probably one that doesn't hear very well. Conducting rescues with aid from the deaf and blind necessitates some thought.
(2.) To signal others, highly over exaggerated arm waving is needed to signify a problem. Assuming there are other riders in the area, the first person to reach a hurt kiter (or other person) should try to notify one other rider before commencing CPR or other aid. That second rider then can (and should immediately) take up the task of contacting others. Even though I looked directly at the rescue effort many times, I had no idea there was an issue because there were no exaggerated movements to clue me in. (Maybe there were at points, just not while I happened to be watching.)
(3.) In an area where a kite can be jettisoned safely and is not needed for floatation, I think I would consider releasing the kites. This hopefully would signal others that major problems are afoot and potentially bring other riders around. I always try to retrieve a rider-less kite after I'm sure the rider is okay. Additionally working sans kites might simplify or elevate the effectiveness of first aid, CPR, or other efforts. With kites well away from the people, another kiter might be able to ride in and provide drag assistance if needed.
(Ideally this person would be very proficient. It's good for people to understand their limits because I've witnessed bad things get much worse with "help" from those not understanding the situation or not having skills that contribute.)
Rob Hyland
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider