BlueWater lives. The rest of the story.

[BlueWater]

Just like any story there is a long and short version. If you want the long version come over to my house with a bottle of Jim Beam and I will be happy to fill in the blanks over a couple fingers on the rocks. If you are satisfied with the short version just keep reading and I will tell you my tale.

My brother, my 7 year old daughter and I were walking back out a road from a late morning hunt in a likely area for deer. Along the way we had stopped for me to tie my shoe. My brother was to my left about 5 feet away and thank goodness my little girl had bounced ahead of us about 15 yards down the road. As I stood up and said to my brother that I was ready to go, my brother gave a tug up on his sagging rain gear bottoms. His rifle being slung on his right shoulder slid off, slammed into the ground and discharged. At the same instant I fell to the ground in the worst pain I had ever felt in my life. After a few choice words to my brother I started to calm down and ***** my situation. I was bleeding very badly. The 150 grain core lock bullet from his 270 Winchester had entered my left thigh just above my knee on an up angle toward my right hip. My previous experience as an EMT 3 suddenly kicked in and I started to think more clearly. By this time my brother had started to apply direct pressure to the wound but the internal damage was so great it was not slowing it down at all. It was at this time that I suddenly realized I was going to die. I was light headed, breathing heavy, and loosing blood rapidly. The road I was laying on was sloped downhill so I had my brother help me face my head downhill to try and keep more blood to my brain. This seemed to help a little but I knew I was running out of time.
My brother, while still holding pressure on my leg, retrieved my cell phone from my pack and dialed 911 to activate EMS. Luckily we had decided to hunt past a locked gate near to Vernonia airport. This being a familiar spot, the local ambulance crew and fire volunteers knew exactly were to go. While my brother was guiding in the EMS I called over my 7 year old daughter who had been standing nearby in shock. I had been assuring her occasionally the whole time but the graveness of the wound made my thoughts go to saying goodbye to my little girl and letting her know this was not her fault and no matter what happens I loved her. This was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. There I was bleeding to death in the middle of the road at the same time trying to make sure my girl would at least know her daddy loved her and she was a good little girl.
At this time, about 15 or 20 minutes from the shot, EMS arrived on the scene. I was fading and having trouble both breathing and focusing. I remember only small bits and pieces from this point on. I could no longer see anything but blackness and only my hearing seemed to work. I could hear the crew debating whether life flight was going to land at the Vernonia airport (1.5 miles away) or Staley’s Junction (15 miles away). I was still aware enough to realize that if life flight could not land at the airport I would never make it. The last thing I remember for the next 7 days was the crew saying life flight had landed at the airport.
Even though I was awoken from my drug induced sleep in the ICU at 7 days I was not really aware of things for a few days. It took time for my mind to process the events and to shake off the meds they used to keep me under. I awoke to the reality that first of all I was alive, secondly I could not pick up my left leg, and third morphine made me see things at night. Once I got the morphine thing figured out I spent the next 25 days accepting my new reality and getting the best care in the state to heal the gaping wound in my left thigh. Basically the bullet took off the top half of my left thigh. These muscles are responsible for being able to do a “kicking” motion. Without these muscles walking and getting around will forever be “different” but not impossible I am told.
To close the damage it has taken a total of 10 different surgeries. To save my life it took 111 units of blood products and an injection called “Factor 7” to stop my bleeding. I have been told this is $ 5,000 a shot and some hospitals will not let it be used because of the cost. I still have areas on my leg I can not feel if I am touched there and I still do not know if the nerve that controls my other quad muscles will ever work again. For now I am able to get around with help of a cane for short trips. For longer ones I have a wheel chair until I build up my strength. I start outpatient physical therapy next week and will be using there services to finish my recovery. I declare I will again someday do two outdoor activities that I love. I will ride a bike with my children and I will also ski Mt. Hood. These goals my take me one year or many but I will do them again.
Any good story must have a lesson or moral to take away with you and this tale is no different from the rest. First of all, if my brother had not had a round in the chamber when we where walking, then all we would have had to worry about would have been if his stock had been scratched. Normally, standard procedure would have been to take out a chambered round when we meet up with another hunter, but for some reason we skipped that step that day. (My rifle as it turned out had a round in the chamber as well) Secondly, the Safety is a mechanical device and mechanical devices can and will fail. It should be treated with this possibility in mind and given the respect it deserves. Third, adding a cell phone or other communication device to your pack can save your life. With out a cell phone my wife would be a widow today. Fourth, never hunt alone. Without my brother I would also be 6 feet under. And lastly and I feel most importantly prayer and being one with God is an amazing force to behold. Faith on many levels got not just me but others in my life through this awful event.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story so to speak and as you can see sometimes even the short version takes up some space and time. But there is one last thing I wish to say. No matter what people say with hindsight being 20/20 I in no way blame my brother for what happened. I hold no fault in him. This was an accident in the true sense of the word and that is what it will always be.

BlueWater.

[Mello-Yello]

Great post man...I actually welled up a little there at first...and I don't well up. :depressed:

You're one tough dude in my book. Lucky...yes...but tough too. A lot of people wouldn't have kept their cool and fought to survive like you did.

I can't even begin to imagine your fear, let alone your brother and daughters as this thing was playing out. Jeez, what if you were anywhere else?

One thing went very bad for you that day. But once it happened, dozens of things went right, very right.

My next suggestion is apt to gross a few folks out, and I'll likely get flamed for being a sick bastage...but a few pictures would be good. This board is such a great place for people to learn..both right and wrong. Just your story inspires me be extra careful. But seeing the gore that one of our own had/has to endure might prevent a repeat event.

Take advantage of this opportunity man. I'm glad we still have you...

[Snapset]

Thank You very much for a powerful story, Bluewater. This is a story that could very well save lives. I feel for your brother, as well. This kind of accident could be caused by any hunter that has ever hunted with "one in the chamber" whether on purpose or inadvertently. I bet that includes most of us. You have given us a powerful tangible reminder to be more careful.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Wow!!


again.... Wow!!

not sure what to say, You like your Jim Beam cold? :whazzup:

[24 on/ 48 off]

Bluewater,

Your story of survival against the odds is incredible. I wish you the very best in recovery.

Godspeed!

--spud-- :smile:

[gottafish]

Dude, Im prayin for you. Good luck

[winterkill]

Thanks for the informative story Bluewater, I know it must have been hard to relive that frightful day. I can tell you right now I learned something from it. For the most part I always carry my rifle with a chambered round. In the future I am not going to.

You are a very tough person in my book, as is your brother and daughter. That would be a very hard experience for anyone to go through, but luckily you were prepared, and survived every hunter's worst nightmare.

As a side note bluewater, I think I have run into you and your family in the woods before. Up in Walt Buckley's clearing I have walked past a group of people hunting together, and it sounds alot like your family maybe. There was a younger girl, a man and his wife maybe and his son I think. I think I just said "Hi, nope haven't seen any deer good luck and good bye." I have blonde hair and I'm 18. I live on timber road near the timber junction across the road from Mike Schmidlin. Anyhow if it was you, now we know eachother so in the future if we cross paths I will stop, introduce myself and chat.

Thanks again for taking the time and giving me a saftey lesson, it just may save somebodies life in the future.

Ian

[elkaholic]

I'm happy for you Bluewater that you are here to tell. I too got a little soft as I read the story because I have a 7 year old daughter and that would be awful for them as well. A friend in high school shot his dad in the leg as he fell down walking behind him on a trail, I've never forgot that trauma the family went through. You've been given a second chance and I'm glad you plan to make the best of a bad deal, hang in there. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[GOT2FISH]

WOW That realy says alot about you not only the survial but the lack of blame and the concern for your daughter.I cant even begin to emagine how hart wrenching that must have been. I wish you a speedie recovery and hope you get to ski soon.From all of us here GOD BLESS and get well soon.

[KingFisher85]

Man....made me all wet eye there :depressed: :shocked: Hope you are doing alright now

Don't really know what to say but man your luck!

[periwinkle]

Geeesh - Man you are one lucky tough dude. You can play on my team anytime. You are far away from me but how could I send you some J.B?
May God continue to stay by you side.

[crabbait]

Very glad to hear you made it, Bluewater. Good luck on your goals and congratulations on a fine attitude.

[sliverpicker]

I'd say Thanksgiving took on a whole new meaning around your house this year!

Sometimes I leave the house early in the morning without saying where I'll be hunting that day(by myself). I think that practice will come to an end. I think I'll make it a habit to hug my boys even more than I do now!

How's your brother dealing with all this? I bet he went thru hell himself!

Good luck with your continued recovery!

[Fshklr]

Bluewater,
That is one powerful story!! Having your daughter there as well must have been horrorifing, I almost lost it when you stated you were trying to say goodbye, loved her and it wasn't her fault. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] You faced the ultimate challenge and came out alive thanks to cool heads, your experience as an EMT and the skills of all involved. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] arty:Thank you for your courage and your story.
My continued prayers to you and your family [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[clearview2u]

Hope your feeling better and very nice to see you on here again.
toni

[BlueWater]

Update:
The state police called with the test results on my brothers rifle yesterday for their investigation. I guess they did a series of drop tests on it in the crime lab in Salem. No matter how they dropped it, safety on or off, it discharged every time when falling from "shoulder height". His rifle is a military muaser(sp)conversion of unknown manufacturer. He bought it from a retired friend of his who hunted with it for years but no longer hunts much any more. He bought it from a pawn shop. It puts out a group of 1" @100 yards with factory remington ammo but we will never trust it as a hunting rifle ever again. He plans to take it to a gun smith and have the safety reworked but...I don't think he will ever use it again.
My brother is 11 years younger than I am (I am 31)and he is taking things well all things considered. Luckly we have a very solid relationship and have worked through this together for the most part. But I am sure he is going through things he is also not sharing with me that a person has to deal with on his own. He does have a pastor that he has been talking to I know of as well.
My little girl is handling things very well. She was looking away from us when the event happened so she only saw me on the ground. Not that that wasn't tramatic but she had some very good care from people right afterwards and we have had people to be available and guide us along the way. Once she found out I was OK and then saw me for the fist time she was fine. Kids are so amazingly resilient. She is even ready to go out again she says.

Thanks again for the support.

Winterkill, I don't think it was me you met. I don't believe I have ever been up there with my wife.

BlueWater.

[Gun Rod Bow]

Double wow,

Praise God you are with us to tell this story. Thank you for sharing it, hopefully it will save another life.

I will pray for the healing of you and your family.

You have mail.

[Salmon Stryker]

Well that is quite a story. I'm glad you made it and glad you shared the experience with us. I know that with your attitude that you will be out there riding bikes and skiing very soon.

I'll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Welcome back.

[Barviewrocks]

Glad you made it. I am going to donate blood tomorrow to help you celebrate your recovery.

[blacktail]

Bluewater,

I don't know what to say other than I am really happy you are recovering. Your story has really hit home.

Is there anything you need help with around your house or any help with Christmas?

If so, let me know.

Mike

[night stocker]

WOW is right.and i'll second the one tough dude.thank you for sharing that story.i must admitt i did get a little choked up and that does not happen to me too often. to you and keep up your positive recovery.

[Ivana Fishalot]

As I read your story, I tried to imagine if I could have the strength to do for my boys what you did for your daughter. I am practically sobbing here because I'm not sure that I could.

Even though I've never even met you, I can't say enough how glad I am that you are home with your family. Because I truly believe that good things happen to good people, you have to be one cool cat in my book.

(shotglasses) Although the last time I drank JB; I wished I was dead

[Steelie Steve]

WOW!! That is an amazing story of survival. I am very glad to hear that things are going well for you and you continue to improve.

Welcome back!!!!

Steve

[Cutter]

WOW!!! I got something in my eye, I agree with you, having to tell your little girl goodbye, that got me. That would be the hardest part. Prayers to you and your family.

[Mtn Man]

I am glad thet your OK. For me talking to one of my kids would have been the hardest.

Here's to a speedy recovery. You have been through a lot of the emotional pain, with more to go. Now comes some serious physical pain, those physical therapists love to hurt people. Just keep that bottle of JB close.

MM

[skein]

I spent today out at the rifle range with my wife, who was practicing with her rifle in anticipation of her elk hunt next weekend. She likes to put on her hunting clothes and go through at least three positions with her rifle - offhand, kneeling, and sitting - just to make sure she's comfortable and that everything fits the way it should.

We talked a lot about gun safety, covering things like when to chamber a round, the mechanical uncertainty of a safety, and having the bolt handle up when the rifle is in the truck - if the handle is down, no one knows for sure the chamber is empty, but if the bolt is up, the rifle won't fire, period.

Then I came home and read your story. I will have my wife read it, and we will discuss all the safety issues again. Naturally I'm glad you made it and are on the road to recovery. But I'm really glad you took the time to share. The words you wrote may very well save someone's life.

Please keep us up-to-date on your progress.

Skein

[jokester]

A truely amazing story! Glad to see you're doing well considering your circumstances. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]


-jokester

[Spotted Owl]

I hope you don't ever have to have that talk with anyone ever again. That really tugs on the heart strings.


Glad to see that you made in through and are on your way to recovery.


Welcome Back

[Mojo]

I'm glad all our prayers paid off (They always do). Glad to see you posting again.

Just remember, springers are just around the corner. Sounds like you might need to fill an open seat or 2 or more. Take care Bro...

[MintBrite]

When I first read about this in the paper I was somewhat shocked that a I-fisher would have had this happen. I'm relived to hear your side of the story and the follow-up on the State police's finding's. I've had the same reaction as most here, :depressed: trying to tell my daughter what might have been my last thoughts for her under those conditions :whazzup:
I will say that your post "will" change my habit of being casual about a round in the chamber. I personally know of another accident, it happened last year where a hunter was chambering a round (300 win. mag.) when the cartdridge fired. I gave this accident little thought(hearsay) - other then, the lucky- unlucky senario's of what might have happened.
I hope and pray for your full recovery. I know it's still fresh but you and yours will come through this stronger.

[salmurai]

BlueWater, Thanks for sharing a truly heart wrenching and horrifying experience. Like others have mentioned, I too hope it will save others from the same experience. Life is about attitude and it sounds like yours is "Right On". Good Luck and may God bless you and your entire family on a speedy recovery......

[Birdnest]

Bluewater,

God bless you and your family. I bet I know where your daughter gets her strength from.

Joe

[WildHawg]

A gut wrenching reminder to be safe folks. The Lord works miracles, and Bluewater is a living example of one!
Just a TTT to help us remember...

[DF]

T T T

great story of survival, glad to hear everything went well, hows the recovery??

[quackersnacker]

Praise God you're able to tell the story!

[BlueWater]

Thank you for the kind words.

I truly believe that if you do your part God does his. I made a mistake and paid dearly for it but if some good can come of it I am thankfull.

BlueWater.