Just got back from the ER

[deereman75]

I will never use a chain saw without my echo chaps

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I just happened onto this thread. 4200...I hope you are feeling better and the wound has healed.

True story here.....I went into the chain shop and bought my first real chainsaw 3 years ago. I had my mind made up that I would get the fancy helmet and ear protection...I am already deaf from printing presses. When I put the helmet on the counter the gentlemen walked the helmet right back to the shelf and grabbed a set of chaps and set them on the counter. He said the helmet will save your hearing, these chaps will save your life. He went on to tell where people get caught....mid thigh, right where the big artery is. I bought the chaps and never returned for the helmet.

A couple years ago my saw bucked up on me and put a notch in the visor of my ball cap. THAT was some scary.

You just never know when or how something can go terribly wrong. You just hope to live. Live and learn.

 

[deereman75]

man that would be scary, although I would still always use one of those helmets because they will keep you from getting sawdust and chips in your face and eyes, and they will protect you if a branch falls on your head.:2cents:

 

[JDGreenGrass]

man that would be scary, although I would still always use one of those helmets because they will keep you from getting sawdust and chips in your face and eyes, and they will protect you if a branch falls on your head.:2cents:

I wear safety glasses and ear plugs. The funny thing here is I get some of my firewood tree-length therefore, I really have no use for the helmet.:laughing:

 

[jml755]

Glad to hear you're healing. I have a pair of chainsaw pants that has a nice slice mid-thigh, left leg from carrying an idling saw through the brush. I usually don't wear them anymore when I'm in a clearing, dropping a tree because they're kind of loose-fitting, hot and bulky and I've tripped or caught the bottoms on stuff when moving away from a felling. I also don't wear them when bucking a tree where you're on solid footing, good stance position, nothing in the way, etc. But..... I've also been tangled up in brush or the branches of a felled tree where I've probably been in more danger than I've realized, just like the OP. So, I think it's time to get a new pair but until then, I like the idea of using the chain brake after a cut, at least when you're in a precarious position.. If you get into the habit of doing it, I suppose it would become second nature. Good reminders as the cleanup season starts here in the Midwest and the woods will soon be full of roaring saws.

 

[deereman75]

Since my uncle almost died from a chain saw accident (and he used to be a park ranger so he sure knew how to use one). He was cutting wood in the bush and the saw hit him in the leg and just missed the artery. He was alone and managed to stem the flow of blood and get to the hospital. (he also used to be a paramedic so he should know how to slow the blood) Because of the fact that if he didnt know as much as he did about how to stop the flow of blood I wouldnt have my favorite uncle, I always use the helmet, chaps, and steel toed boots when using a chain saw.

Also my history teacher's brother in law almost lost his leg in something similar. (except the guys father hit a chain link fence when the saw jumped out of the cut, causing the chain to snap and fly off and hit his sons leg)