Accident ruins holiday fun

A bike accident is a warning to children

School holidays are meant to be a time for leisure, fun and enjoyment for our children especially with the Te Maeva Nui Celebrations and the Pacific Mini Games but for one unfortunate Tupapa lass, she has spent several weeks recovering from a nasty bike accident which would have resulted in a more serious injury were it not for the quick actions of Dr Carmen who had just completed his shift at the Tupapa clinic and was on his way home when he was waved down to assist.
12 year old Eteta Tuteru of Kiikii Tupapa was riding a bike with friends when she lost control accidently falling off on top of the bike. At first glance, witnesses didn’t think the injuries were serious until her grandmother came to her grand daughter’s assistance and saw that her right upper thigh had been punctured by the brake handle of the bike which had broken off in the process.
Medical help was shortly on hand with 2 off duty nurses assisting and after applying a local anaesthetic, the doctor removed the broken brake handle and confirmed the injuries were not serious although Eteta was considered lucky as the brake handle punctured muscle tissue only. Several centimetres below, it would have punctured her main artery resulting in more serious complications.
After treatment, Eteta was discharged from hospital and is recovering well hopefully in time before her return to school next week which she is looking forward to. Although she is none the worse for wear, Eteta’s message to other young people riding bikes is simply to be careful, ride safely and be aware of the dangers around you.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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