Here is a good article where they talk to both the doctor that worked on him at the track.

http://espn.go.com/rpm/cart/2001/0919/1252787.html

 

I'm so sad for him now, the pic looks awful...but what was I expecting? I heard on the news that he asked his wife if he was in danger of dying and she said "no" and he was happy. Can you imagine that? He's a very strong willed person, and I'm sure he will find a way to cope with things we can only imagine.

Speedy Recovery Alex

 

I don't know about the rules in this type of racing, but F1 rules say that the driver has to be able to get out of the car, without aid, in a certain time. This would certainly rule out anyone without the use of their legs...

Looks horrific.... poor guy.

 

 

Um, have a close look at the pic. They quite obviously aren't there. The right leg is missing below the knee, and the left above the knee. I think the confusion stems from the fact that they had to remove even more of each leg in surgery later. He now has lost one leg just below the pelvis and one just above the knee.

There is no way human flesh can survive that kind of force. They would have been ripped right off like in an explosion. I definitely read that they packed the limbs in ice and tried to reattach them.

I just read the article linked above and it's like I said. They tourniqueted them and saved his life. Hats off to the doctors.

 

Yeah, I just saw the two doctors interviewed on RPM 2night. The legs were nowhere to be found when they got to Alex and he was bleeding very profusely. They managed to stop the bleeding quick enough to save his life but he ended up losing 70% of his blood. I can't believe that someone can lose that much blood and still survive. During surgery both legs were amputated above the knees. He woke up on Thursday and when his wife told him about his injuries all he asked her was whether his life was still in danger. When she said it wasn't he said good because as long as I have you and our son I'll get through the other stuff. What a great guy. The doctors are heroes and I applaud CART for caring so much about safety.

Mark

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wickerbill
[B]Yeah, I just saw the two doctors interviewed on RPM 2night.

 

I pray for Alex to have a quick recovery. He's got a good head on his shoulders... knowing what is really important.

As for being able to get out of the car quickly without legs... that wouldn't really be the problem. I'll bet it would be easier to hoist one's self out of the tub with no legs, but getting away from the car might be a problem.

My thoughts are with you and your family, Alex. Be well.

 

"I grabbed a belt from one of the safety workers and made a tourniquet for the leftside and put a pressure dressing on the rightside," Trammell said.

Wow, the work of a true professional. The Japanese term would be "Mushin," meaning "no mind." Action without thought or reaction. Your training takes over and you just "do."

 

My wife said she was glad I was never able to fullfill my dream of being a race car driver. This was one time I didn't give her any static back - an unbelievable wreck and a miracle he's alive. All of his friends say he's a fighter. Jimmy Vaser said he'll be back competing in something - even if it's snow mobiles!