Posted: 11/1/07
Playground fall requires airlift
 Chelsea Pointer, 17, was airlifted to Regions Hospital after falling from a Northwoods Park jungle gym on Tuesday. The decision to airlift was to a large degree precautionary, according to Lakes Region EMS's Aarron Reinert. Pointer is expected to be released from the hospital on Nov. 1. |
By Patrick Tepoorten
Air transport had to be called to Northwoods Park, North Branch, early Tuesday afternoon, after a teenage girl fell from a piece of playground equipment.
Chelsea Pointer, 17, Amador Twsp., was injured around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday, when she fell from a jungle gym. Lakes Region EMS responded with both and ambulance and quick response vehicle.
At the scene, they discovered Pointer had a potentially serious upper back/neck injury, necessitating helicopter transport.
According to Lakes Region Executive Director Aaron Reinert, calling in an air ambulance is standard procedure with the possibility of a spinal cord injury. Treating such injuries can be greatly benefitted by rapid transport.
Although it isn't always used, Reinert said in cases where there is numbness or tingling in extremities, it is procedure to assume the worst case scenario.
According to Pointer's stepfather Tom Hughes, Pointer is "doing good." Early symptoms of numbness are fading and it is hopeful she will be released from Regions Hospital on Thursday, Nov. 1.
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