People throughout the state of Pennsylvania find themselves injured for a variety of reasons every day. As any regular reader of this blog is likely aware, car accidents are one of the most prevalent ways in which people are injured. There are however other situations under which individuals sustain personal injuries. In the summer months there is usually news about someone being hurt while cooling off and having fun in a swimming pool.

Earlier this month a man from Pennsylvania was seriously injured when he dove into the family swimming pool head first. The 43-year-old father reportedly entered the pool with his arms at his sides, head first. A friends of one of the man's sons said that the man was under the water between 10 and 15 seconds. When he surfaced, he told those around him that he could not feel either his arms or legs and was having problems breathing. The pool is about 4 ½ feet deep.

Coincidentally, one of the people who happened upon the ensuing commotion was a neighbor who works in a neurological unit at a local hospital as a registered nurse. The neighbor was able to stay with the man until emergency workers arrived and took over.

The man's wife said that her husband fractured two cervical vertebrae in the incident. He can move his arms but cannot feel anything from his chest down. After the accident he was transported via helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital located in Pittsburgh. There he is on a ventilator to help him breathe.

The family of the man is hoping that he will recover, at least enough to not have to use the ventilator. It is probably fair to say that all would hope that for the man and his family.

Source: Trib LIVE, "New Kensington pool accident leaves father paralyzed," Michael Aubele, June 21, 2012