Chris Armstrong is lucky to be alive. He survived a horrendous accident in his own front yard that nearly took his life.
A retired contractor, Beezer (as he is affectionately known) was an active, busy senior. He walked each morning, tended to chores around his Burlington house and the neighbours’ yards as well.
So it was not unusual to see Beezer on July 16, 1996 get out his aluminum ladder to trim the 50- foot tall tree in his front yard. There were 11 branches to be trimmed. After felling 10, he had one nasty limb to go. What Beezer didn’t know is that the last branch had a small twig touching the high-tension hydro line wire on the street.
“I was on the top rung of a ladder with an aluminum pole in my hand so I could put a rope above my head to tie off the branch so it wouldn’t fall right to the ground and damage my lawn,” Beezer said.
Suddenly, 4,600-volts of electricity shot through his right arm and out the right side of his chest, blowing his left knee apart and burning the shins of both legs. The charge traveled 12 feet down the branch to the pole and found its target. Amazingly, Beezer was aware of what was happening and realized if there was any chance of survival he had to let go. He freed his hand from the pole and fell 35 feet through the tree limbs to the ground.
His daughter saw the accident and called 911 immediately. The emergency response team was there within minutes. Initially, Beezer was taken to Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital. But, because of the extent of his injuries, he was transferred to the Regional Trauma Program at Hamilton General Hospital. For the next two weeks, he was unconscious and needed intensive care. Once stable, Beezer’s next 10 weeks were spent in the Burn Unit, also at Hamilton General.
Beezer had suffered third-degree burns in addition to extensive fractures and injuries. His broken bones included: left cheek, left shoulder, right collar bone and six ribs. He also had a punctured lung and broken pelvis. Consequently, he had three spinal discs removed and five fused together with four pins holding the spine to the pelvis. His right hand is quite crippled making it difficult to write because there is no feeling left.
“Other than that, I’m fine,” Beezer said with a grin. “I didn’t see any dark tunnels, bright lights, angels or anything. Nobody wanted me either up or down,” he says matter-of-factly. “I guess my time just wasn’t up yet.”
After two years of recovering from skin graphs, broken bones and learning to walk again with the help of rehabilitation therapists, Beezer was back to his active lifestyle.
The doctors attribute his remarkable recovery to his good health and physical well-being.
Beezer is extremely grateful. He is keenly aware of the time, patience and skill it took for his medical team to put him back together. To show his gratitude, Beezer has
returned to the General Hospital Burn Unit where he volunteers his time two days a week, giving hope and encouragement to other burn patients.
The Hamilton Health Sciences’ Volunteer Association awarded Beezer the “Certificate of Appreciation” this past spring. His certificate read, “He provides gentle support and advice for burn survivors and helps with fundraising and volunteering at a summer camp for children who have suffered burns, called Camp Bucko. His generosity of time and spirit are also a tremendous asset to this program. Staff who have the pleasure of working with Beezer say he has a heart of gold. They love him dearly and consider him a friend.”
As well, in appreciation for each new day, Beezer hosts a barbecue each July for friends and burn survivors. The idea came from his wife, Donna, who passed away from cancer while Beezer was still in rehab from his accident. For the event, nicknamed “Sparky’s BBQ and Tree Trimming Demonstration,” Beezer’s props include a ladder, pruning shears and a chain saw. The cover of the invitation features a fire-breathing dragon cooking hotdogs. Donations from attending guests are directed to Camp Bucko.
Beezer is a remarkable man. Not only does he give generously of his time and spirit but he has also been a financial supporter of Hamilton Health Sciences for many years. When asked why he gives, he remarks, “It’s not for tax reasons. Not because I should or even because someone told me to. I just give because I can. I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for the doctors, nurses and physiotherapists that put me back together again. For that, I am truly grateful.”
.jpg)
