Sam Merrill/Sunset/El Prieto

[Pain Freak]

Originally Posted by CupLess

FYI ....

I called Dan this morning....

As of this morning he was still in the hospital and was not sure when he would be released...

In any case he was in great spirits and sounded great over the phone.
He was in the middle of an ice bath doped up on pain killers

He is looking forward to getting out, but he is still waiting to hear from the Doc regarding the head trauma.

All in all... it doesn't sound real serious... the broken bones appear to have stayed in place, so there was no need to reset them and are expected heal cleanly (6-8 weeks!!)

Hopefully no serious conditions appear from the head injuries.

Actually, one of his concerns... like most us... was the condition of his bike!!!

Santa Cruz Bullit - told him... It is in better shape than he is
The rear swing arm where the pivot is at, broke. Took it apart this morning and hopefully Santa Cruz will replace it at no cost.

That appears to be the extent of the injuries to the bike!

FYI - i don't think Dan has a handle... Still hope he heals quick!!!

That's some very good news.
Thanks!

[gurp13]

I took a CPR class about two years ago as part of completing my teaching credential. The instructor who had been in the field as a firefighter, I think, told us that there are Good Samaritan Laws that protect people who come to the aid of someone who is in an accident. It came up because we talked about what could happen if we had to move someone in a life threatening situation like a school disaster or something. He told us that if we were trying to do the right thing and help save someone's life that we were protected. I'm not saying this to stir up an argument with anyone here, so please don't take this the wrong way. Rather, I'm trying to suggest that you should try to help someone if they are in need without worrying about getting sued.

****
Okay, I wrote the above then googled to get some back up. Guess what I found. Apparently there's some problems with this law that just occurred last year. Read 'em and see what you think. I guess I might reconsider what I wrote above in light of this.

About.com: First Aid: Good Samaritan Law

MediSmart page generally about Good Samaritan Laws

Overlawyered.com blurb about the case

Finally, a Yahoo.com Answers page that references the law and the case.

Personally, I still tend to think that if you are trying to render emergency aid to someone and you are not seeking any compensation for that aid then you wouldn't be liable for any consequences arising from your attempt to aid them. I guess I would rather try to help someone to the best of my ability rather than not because I'm afraid they would sue me.

Again, not to start any argument. But, we all know how dangerous mtbing is and I'd rather you tried to help me if I need it. :-)

[Tom Cosgrove]

Wow I have had dreams about that trail. Hope He heals up ok. It sounds like he is doing well.
Riders beware ride within your limits, I have walked many of those sections just because I didn't feel it that day. Rubber side down to all.

[bighit8]

So funny, he was more worried about his bike. true with so many of us.Glad he is in good spirits.

[KBL]

WOW. I've been down Middle Merrill several times and survived them all. Still, there's one right-hander near the bottom that I walk every time, and I wonder if it's the same one Daniel fell off of.

Daniel, best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. The mountains will wait; they'll be there when you're ready.

[ka0t1c07]

Good to hear that hes doing fine. The funny thing is the the down rider is always concern about his bike.. I learn back in high school is that Good Samaritan are protected by the law so always lend a helping hand on the trail.

[TooManyTacos]

Wow, sounds scary, but it sounds like Daniel is pretty badass too. I wish him well. Get better really soon, Daniel!

[Letyrides]

Originally Posted by CupLess

FYI ....

All in all... it doesn't sound real serious... the broken bones appear to have stayed in place, so there was no need to reset them and are expected heal cleanly (6-8 weeks!!)

Wow, I guess that's the best news one could get given the severity of the fall.

I was starting to get worried when I didn't hear from Gabe like usual. When I did talk to him I could tell immediately something bad had happened. Even tho he didn't express it I knew that fall effected him. Glad to hear Daniel and the bike will be ok. Keep us posted on his progress and send our well wishes and healing vibes.

[kanga]

This news hits pretty hard. This is a ride we sometimes take for granted. For those who live in the area, just because we ride it often means nothing. A mis-timed move, a loose rock, a mechanical or any minor mistake can quickly return some major consequences.

It sounds like the news will be ultimately good, and hopefully Daniel can get online and tell us how he is recovering, and his version of the events.

Healing vibes to Daniel.... and to everyone else, bone up on your first aid/CPR! If you'd had training you'd know about the "good samaratin law" mentioned previously.

We were up in Keyesville enjoying the race and the trails in the area. In Kernville, just up the road on April 29/30 there will be a Wilderness first Aid class, two days $180. I might head up for some re-training and some more keyesville magic...

http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/sche...wfa_wfr_recert

[tkblazer]

man i just heard about this earlier today! glad to hear dan is ok and we to go STR guys for helpin a fallen rider