Submitted Monday 4 September by Derek Salley:

Dear Friends,

I thought it would be a good idea to give you an update now on Simon Bell.

Last Monday 28 Aug, while he and I were riding at our motocross practice track in Barss Corner (near New Germany), Simon sustained a severe head injury, rendering him unconscious. He was taken by EMS to South Shore Regional Hospital where he was stabilized and then airlifted to Halifax QEII Neuro ICU. In addition to the head injury, the initial CATSCAN showed that he suffered minor bruising of the right lung and a small fracture to his right orbital bone (high cheekbone where it enters the eye). He was in a coma until Thursday. Although his CATSCAN revealed no areas requiring immediate attention (i.e. operation), during the first few days, it was important to keep CSF pressure (the fluid surrounding your brain) as low as possible. This pressure normally peaks in the first 2 days following a head injury, and high pressures can cause dire complications or death. Therefore he was sedated and a tap and monitor were put into his skull. The first days were full of pain and struggle.

On Thursday, sedation was reduced, he began breathing on his own (intubation tube removed), and he opened his eyes, albeit only for brief moments. He was cognisant of some things, and knew who his parents, his sister, Michelle, and I were.

His recovery has progressed rapidly thus far, and shows real promise. A second CATSCAN shows only good things- healing. He is now able, with some assistance, to walk to and from the washroom, he can sit in a chair, he has eaten solid foods. He is able to keep his eyes open more and for longer, and he is having brief discussions. He even asked how his bike was. As Michelle reports, I think he was rather annoyed that it was fine, given his condition :) He no longer has any stuff sticking out of him (IV, catheter, monitors,...) Today he is being moved to a step-down ward from the ICU. He's not particularly happy about that either- 3 other people making a lot of noise :)

Praise for the support:
The EMS team arrived within 15 minutes of the accident, in a pretty sleepy part of rural Nova Scotia. The New Germany Fire department (volunteers) arrived 2-3 minutes later. Both were extremely capable and professional. The staff at South Shore were also excellent, and compassionate. Constable Kendall, of the RCMP, was not only patient and understanding the night of the accident, but he has called me every day since to see how Simon is doing. The staff at the QEII in Halifax has also been great, using common sense instead of rules to dictate visitations, and the doctors have been a source of positive energy, showing a real conviction to Simon's recovery when things were looking their worst. The military has really come through, too. Along with a daily call to see how he is doing, the Greenwood hospital was quick to initiate financial support for Mr. and Mrs. Bell.

I guess I should make some stuff about the accident clear. Only he and I were at the track, and since we try to keep some space between us for safety, I did not see what happened. It occurred in the slowest part of our track, and based on things we do know, it can only be considered a freak accident. Simon was wearing every piece of protective gear available, including a brand new, Snell and DOT approved full face helmet. If not for that, AND a good chest protector, things would have been far worse. 

Simon isn't able to see visitors yet, but that may come some time this week or next. If you have a message for Simon, or his parents or Michelle, I will be more than happy to deliver it for you. You can e-mail me or call (902) 765-2192.

Simon still has a long road to travel and this journey will take time, but he is both physically and mentally very strong. 

Sincerely,
Derek and Lisa