Careful with that chainsaw. It might just end up in your neck.
Tree-trimmer James Valentine experienced this very problem on Monday – while 20 feet off the ground. Valentine was working in a tree in Ross Township, Pennsylvania when his chainsaw slipped and sawed two inches into his neck.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
So the race began shortly after the 2:30 p.m. accident, which involved efforts from three coworkers, seven paramedics, along with police officers and medical officials, all of them at the top of their game, officials said.
Mr. Valentine held the chainsaw in place with his right hand while hugging the trunk with his left arm to descend 5 feet in his rope harness with cleats on his shoes. Coworkers controlling the rope lowered him gently to sitting position on the ground. He leaned against one coworker, while another held the chainsaw steady. A third coworker worked to unbolt the blade from the heavy chainsaw motor without moving the blade.
Doctors at Allegehny General Hospital were able to successfully remove the blade which had fortunately not severed any major arteries.
Despite the terrible incident, Valentine has no plans to give up his tree trimming job any time soon as is anxious to get back to work.