View Full Version : (Possible) suicide attempt using motorcycle
Well as a quick fill in, I recently finished med school and am currently in my 2nd yr as a full time working doc (currently on a surgical rotation).
I was on-call today, trauma call at 8.15am; RTA - 1 motorcyclist, no other vehicles involved. Initially I was pretty shocked at the variety and severity of this guys injuries. 2 fingers remaining on the left hand, both humerus shattered, pelvis shattered, open midline femoral fracture, and that is only what you can see on the trolley. Who knows what's going on inside his abdomen and chest. The trauma guys worked on him all day and managed to save him, though that doesn't mean he is in the clear of course.
I heard later a suicide note was found with the guys belongings. I don't know if that means this was the suicide attempt or not as I didn't get specifics. Either way, it's a shame that some people feel there is no way out other than taking their own life. I dare not imagine what frame of mind this chap might be in should he make it through all of this.
More importantly, ride safe everyone! It's not a pretty picture and all happens in a flash.
Wildkid
20-02-13, 10:38 PM
Poor bloke, Lifes too important to throw away!
It's sad when somebody feels that suicide is the only way out of their situation and I have some sympathy, but... I can't help but feel there are ways to top yourself which are slightly less horrific for the people left behind who have to ultimately pick up the pieces afterwards. It's terrible for the hospital staff who have to deal with trauma cases like this, especially when there are other people who may need that medical attention who actually want to live.
It's worse however for the loved ones who, although perhaps thankful that their husband/son/father/brother has survived, will now face the prospect of having thier lives turned upside down. They will have to come to terms with the immediate situation and will possibly have to nurse him for weeks, months, years or for the rest of his life.
It may sound harsh to call this guy selfish but in a way it kinda was IMHO. I'm sure he wasn't in a fit state of mind when he felt like he had no other option but his chosen method was pre meditated and not impulsive (he wrote a note). If he truely wanted out there are ways that are kinder to those who have to deal with the aftermath.
missyburd
21-02-13, 06:38 AM
Thank goodness no one else was involved in the accident itself. Let's hope he's grateful for having been saved by the hardworking staff at the hospital. God only knows how he feels having come through it, hopefully it might give him a new lease of life and a reason for fighting but who knows.
Fordward
21-02-13, 07:25 AM
So what did he ride into?
The pressure of life can just get to people.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1267953/Job-seeker-Vicky-Harrison-commits-suicide-rejected-200-jobs.html
Fallout
21-02-13, 07:33 AM
It's sad when somebody feels that suicide is the only way out of their situation and I have some sympathy, but... I can't help but feel there are ways to top yourself which are slightly less horrific for the people left behind who have to ultimately pick up the pieces afterwards. It's terrible for the hospital staff who have to deal with trauma cases like this, especially when there are other people who may need that medical attention who actually want to live.
It's worse however for the loved ones who, although perhaps thankful that their husband/son/father/brother has survived, will now face the prospect of having thier lives turned upside down. They will have to come to terms with the immediate situation and will possibly have to nurse him for weeks, months, years or for the rest of his life.
It may sound harsh to call this guy selfish but in a way it kinda was IMHO. I'm sure he wasn't in a fit state of mind when he felt like he had no other option but his chosen method was pre meditated and not impulsive (he wrote a note). If he truely wanted out there are ways that are kinder to those who have to deal with the aftermath.
Mate, when you're suicidal, you seriously would not give a single feck about hospital staff and maybe not even your family. If you're so low that you're working against your strongest most basic instinct (survival), then you're well beyond compassion for others.
Fordward
21-02-13, 07:37 AM
daily fail strikes again with sensationalist spin which probably only tells 10% of her story
But still sad :(
21 not lived at all ...
Biker Biggles
21-02-13, 08:49 AM
It's sad when somebody feels that suicide is the only way out of their situation and I have some sympathy, but... I can't help but feel there are ways to top yourself which are slightly less horrific for the people left behind who have to ultimately pick up the pieces afterwards. It's terrible for the hospital staff who have to deal with trauma cases like this, especially when there are other people who may need that medical attention who actually want to live.
It's worse however for the loved ones who, although perhaps thankful that their husband/son/father/brother has survived, will now face the prospect of having thier lives turned upside down. They will have to come to terms with the immediate situation and will possibly have to nurse him for weeks, months, years or for the rest of his life.
It may sound harsh to call this guy selfish but in a way it kinda was IMHO. I'm sure he wasn't in a fit state of mind when he felt like he had no other option but his chosen method was pre meditated and not impulsive (he wrote a note). If he truely wanted out there are ways that are kinder to those who have to deal with the aftermath.
Agree 100%
dizzyblonde
21-02-13, 08:54 AM
My brother works with mentally ill patients and rather a lot of attempted suicides from setting light to beds to overdoses. It's a very difficult job.
21QUEST
21-02-13, 09:01 PM
It's sad when somebody feels that suicide is the only way out of their situation and I have some sympathy, but... I can't help but feel there are ways to top yourself which are slightly less horrific for the people left behind who have to ultimately pick up the pieces afterwards. It's terrible for the hospital staff who have to deal with trauma cases like this, especially when there are other people who may need that medical attention who actually want to live.
It's worse however for the loved ones who, although perhaps thankful that their husband/son/father/brother has survived, will now face the prospect of having thier lives turned upside down. They will have to come to terms with the immediate situation and will possibly have to nurse him for weeks, months, years or for the rest of his life.
It may sound harsh to call this guy selfish but in a way it kinda was IMHO. I'm sure he wasn't in a fit state of mind when he felt like he had no other option but his chosen method was pre meditated and not impulsive (he wrote a note). If he truely wanted out there are ways that are kinder to those who have to deal with the aftermath.
Personally, I just try not to 'Judge' when in comes to instances like this.
Is suicide a selfish act? very possibly. Some folks say it's cowardly...
What real difference does it make if a person wrote a note or not?
Is there a rule book outlining how to achieve the 'right type of suicide' ?
As had been mentioned, the very act goes against our survival instinct....doesn't that tell us a lot?
yorkie_chris
21-02-13, 09:59 PM
As had been mentioned, the very act goes against our survival instinct....doesn't that tell us a lot?
The human body and mind is designed for having scraps over bits of meat with sabre toothed tigers.
It's no wonder that being conditioned into thinking a load of sh*te is important pushes some people into a slightly f***ed up mental state.
dizzyblonde
21-02-13, 10:28 PM
Slightly?
Knowing the work my brother does with his patients, 'slightly' is when you admit your depressed and go to the quack for a few pills to balance you out and go nowhere near a mental ward! Where this poor chap would most likely go when his injuries were manageable.
yorkie_chris
21-02-13, 10:33 PM
As usual, slight exaggeration may be included.
My view of attempted suicides is probably unpopular.
dizzyblonde
21-02-13, 10:49 PM
I'm not entirely comfortable with it myself, and believe me when I say it takes a special kind of compassionate person to help sort these folk out if they don't succeed.
It's not a job I could do personally, but mum and brother have worked in mental health for many years.
Personally, I just try not to 'Judge' when in comes to instances like this.
I'm not judging the guy, honestly. I really do have genuine sympathy for anyone who feels so desperately sad that they take their own life. If I came accross as judgemental then I'm sorry. I'm just pointing out the flip side.
The point I was making is that I feel equally sorry for the ones who have to clear up the mess every bit as much as I feel sorry for the suicide victim. If the person concerned was able to think clearly enough I'm sure they would see the impact of their actions on others around them. E.g the train driver who is a nervous wreck on anti depressants and can never work again or sleep properly because every time he trys he can see the face of the jumper a fraction of a second before they hit the windscreen of his train. That poor bloke will carry that with him forever. Not nice.
What real difference does it make if a person wrote a note or not?
If they leave a note it may show that they are thinking rationally enough to form a plan and the go out and execute that plan. If you're able enough to think that clearly perhaps you're able enough to consider the ramifacations of what you're doing. That's different to someone who, in a shear moment of panic is so distressed that they spontaniously take the first option to hand without forethought or planning.
Like I said not judging anyone here, just looking at the bigger picture.
So what did he ride into?
I'm not sure. All I know is he was found in some sort of ditch. He must of taken a fair tumble getting there. My guess is he hit the ground having fallen down from a fair height, and either landed with his arms out or straight onto his pelvis and then took a bit of a roll, but who knows.
I was off today but will follow the chappy up tomorrow to see what's happened to him.
Fingers crossed for the guy.
Well he's still alive and recovering I believe. Apparently he was aiming for and went flying into some sort
of advertising board.
Personally, I just try not to 'Judge' when in comes to instances like this.
What real difference does it make if a person wrote a note or not?
Is there a rule book outlining how to achieve the 'right type of suicide' ?
As had been mentioned, the very act goes against our survival instinct....doesn't that tell us a lot?
A lecture many years ago by an Army Padre on the subject was illuminating. What he said was that often once an individual has made the decision to take their life, they will feel a great weight has been lifted of their shoulders. Therefore any symptoms that those around them might hope to notice won’t be apparent. The individual will appear normal even happy because the decision has been made and they are just waiting for the right moment, which is why it is often such a shock for those around them.
I hope this guy pulls through and he gets a second chance at life.
Rocketeer
23-02-13, 07:49 AM
Well as a quick fill in, I recently finished med school and am currently in my 2nd yr as a full time working doc (currently on a surgical rotation).
I was on-call today, trauma call at 8.15am; RTA - 1 motorcyclist, no other vehicles involved. Initially I was pretty shocked at the variety and severity of this guys injuries. 2 fingers remaining on the left hand, both humerus shattered, pelvis shattered, open midline femoral fracture, and that is only what you can see on the trolley. Who knows what's going on inside his abdomen and chest. The trauma guys worked on him all day and managed to save him, though that doesn't mean he is in the clear of course.
I heard later a suicide note was found with the guys belongings. I don't know if that means this was the suicide attempt or not as I didn't get specifics. Either way, it's a shame that some people feel there is no way out other than taking their own life. I dare not imagine what frame of mind this chap might be in should he make it through all of this.
More importantly, ride safe everyone! It's not a pretty picture and all happens in a flash.
A lot of information to be putting in the public arena......
Please explain. We are very aware of patient confidentiality if that's what you're getting at.
I have not given any clue as to the name/age/race of the patient or even which hospital I am working in. Motorcycle accidents happen all the time. And if you really thought it's too much information for a public area (for whatever reason) why would you requote the whole post?
Rocketeer
23-02-13, 06:34 PM
It's a quote, strangely 'quoting' original typed material of which another is the author.
Just saying.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.