Scarred for life

By Shaun Garrity

Although Windsor is often warm in December, the day in 2012 was harsh and cold.

The day seemed nothing less than ordinary for Dave Thomas, who was involved in construction work on the new retirement home near Riverside Drive and Manning Road. Thomas, 25, a short and stocky man, was bundled up in insulated overalls and a tough duck coat with wool socks. His days usually started at 5:30 am, and lasted into the night. It wasn’t unusual for him to work 60 hour weeks.

But on Dec 6, Thomas’ life be changed forever, when the force of two machines crushed his body and left him in a coma for eight weeks.

The stocky laborer and his co-workers, all equipped with safety boots and harnesses noticed a machine stuck in the mud. They tried various methods to remove the equipment.

Construction machinery like excavators, cranes and other equipment range in cost from $65,000 to $250,000.The crew knew leaving it there could later lead to extensive damages, and would delay work because of an absent machine.

After two failed attempts, Thomas says he decided to attach the Manitou to the machine with thick steel chains. A Manitou is a fork lift used to carry heavy objects.

”First we used a Bobcat and it didn’t work, then we used a crane truck and that didn’t work so we then used an off-road forklift,” said Thomas.

An instant after connecting the chains to the Manitou, Thomas was trapped between both machines.

“I don’t know exactly what happened, but before I knew it I was being crushed.”

Emergency services were called immediately and Thomas was rushed to Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital.

”I was conscious until they put me in the ambulance, then I went into a coma,” says Thomas.

His stay at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital was brief. He was transferred to London’s Victoria Hospital where doctors would ultimately perform several surgeries to save his life.

“It was four and a half weeks before I woke up.”

Thomas stayed in hospital for two months before being given the okay to return home. Altogether he says he has had six surgeries since the accident.

“I lost one kidney, my spleen and half my pancreas, broke four ribs and a partially collapsed lung,” said Thomas.

Melissa, Thomas’ sister says construction companies who hire employees should provide more site training to ensure safety, so similar situations do not happen.

‘‘They hire inexperienced guys to do the job with little training,” said Melissa, who said she believes her brother’s accident could have been prevented.

The accident may be over, but the aftermath of an injury like Thomas’ could take a life time to repair. Waking up each morning can be painful when your insides have been mixed up and re-arranged. When the body goes through an ordeal of that nature, simple tasks become difficult and frustrating. Recurring flashbacks can cause numbing memories of the episode.

Graham Briscoe, 27, Family medicine resident said if a workplace injury is severe enough, patients can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and can take months, or even years, to recover mentally,” said Briscoe.

“Although he is alive and able, he suffers from trauma and he is continuing to survive every single day,” said Melissa, of her brother.

Thomas is having problems coping with his situation. At the time his injuries are restricting him from employment.

“Its change me as a person. I’m depressed about life because I’m unable to do the things I was able to do before,” said Thomas.

Lately Thomas is trying to keep himself occupied. His day consist of playing video games and watching Ultimate Fighting Championship.

With the severity of his situation Thomas can only take things one day at a time. Certain exercises may be needed to stimulate his brain to get it back to where it once was. He knows that every breath of fresh air is a blessing.

Joleen Heydon, who has been dating Thomas for several years, said there were times when the doctors were not sure what was going to happen.

“What scared me the most was not knowing if he was going to get better.”

Nearly a year has passed since the accident and Thomas still looks like your average young adult. But underneath are scars that speak more than words. Maybe every time you bet at the local casino and you walk away on top with a few bucks extra in your pocket.

Perhaps you live by the belief a four leafed clover will bring fortune and opportunity to your life. But Dave Thomas understands the true meaning of luck. He knows that every breath of fresh air is a blessing.