“It Was Terrifying”: Patient’s Heart Stopped for 20 Minutes During Surgery, After a Horseriding Incident

Horse riding as a recreational activity is done for pleasure and exercise. People tend to take horse riding as a hobby for releasing stress, increasing self-confidence, physical fitness, and to stay connected with nature. It also has a very rewarding experience to learn how to communicate with and care for horses.  But, unfortunately, if safety is not taken care of, it can be life-threatening.

Recently, a patient got into a horse riding incident where the doctors struggle with a unique situation. The incident happened in Glenwood Springs, a resort city in Colorado. A family was visiting there but never expected their visit will be turned out to be a miserable one.

An equestrian enthusiast’s unexpected ordeal

Todd Brainard’s family was on a vacation at Glenwood Springs. They belong to Ohio and they planned to stay for a week in Colorado for recreational activities. The Brainard family decided to go for a horse riding spree and when Todd got on his horse, the equine just threw him away. Todd fell on his hip, which resulted in some severe lacerations. Following thus, he was immediately flown to Denver for treatment. There he was attended by an orthopedics surgeon, Dr. Cyril Mauffrey, head of Denver Health’s Department of Orthopedics.

The surgery was going smoothly and they were fitting the hip socket when Todd’s heart stopped. A vascular surgeon was operating in the next theatre and arrived immediately. Together with him, a team of fifteen doctors and medical staff started giving CPR to Todd. They continue to do chest compression for twenty long minutes, till his heart started beating again. According to Dr. Cyril Mauffrey, “It was terrifying. However many times and however many years you’ve been doing this for, it remains a terrifying situation.” He also said that they never lost hope and just kept pushing.

After two days, he was still not able to talk. His wife said in a tearful joke, “I’ve never wanted to hear him talk more than I do now, So I will never complain about him constantly talking anymore.”

Horse Riding is a recreational activity if done safely

It is said as a motivational quote that brave people learn when fall from a horse and ride again. But shouldn’t be taken seriously because it is risky and life-threatening.  The research says out of three riding injuries two can be prevented. It also says more than 80% of riding injuries are caused by riders falling off the horse.

Read More: 20 Years After Freak Horse Riding Accident Leading to Traumatic Brain Injury, American Man’s Miraculous Recovery Will Leave You Stunned

But how to minimize accidents? The accidents can be contained through proper training, a good understanding of horses, assessing the riding condition, and horse proper care. If at a recreational facility, then the horse should be accompanied by its supervisor.

The Brainard family’s ordeal is a reminder of the importance of riding in with care and safety. One should first have a proper inspection of the horse and the environment and then ride.

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