PET SKILLS HELP VET TO SET HIS OWN BROKEN BONE

Friday, February 22, 2008

Vet Richard Griffiths recovering in St Mary’s Hospital after surgery to the broken leg he set himself. Picture by PETER BOAM.

A VET turned his skills with animals to good effect when he had to treat himself at the weekend.
Richard Griffiths, 58, who is principal of Ryde-based The Lawns Veterinary Group, broke his leg while out walking on Sunday afternoon.
He drew on his veterinary experience to manipulate his broken thigh bone back into place, having slipped on mud while walking to Freshwater Bay with his wife, Carol, also 58.
Mr Griffiths, of Walkers Lane, Shorwell, said: “I knew it was broken, so I thought it was best to take some action. Someone was going to have to do it. I don’t know if it was right or wrong but I suppose it was my instinct which told me to straighten it.”
Mr Griffiths was met by ambulance crews and airlifted from Brighstone Down to Seaclose Park by the Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance before being taken to St Mary’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery on the break.
The couple have since praised the work of the ambulance crews and pledged financial support to keep the air ambulance going.
Mrs Griffiths said: “The ironic thing is we’re both very experienced walkers. We’ve trekked across mountains all over the world and then something like this happens so close to home. I was in front of Richard and thought he’d stepped on a twig, we both heard the crack.
“Being a vet, he was quick to diagnose the injury. He just gritted his teeth and put it back.
“Neither of us had our phones but luckily a jogger, Pete Boynton, came along and directed the paramedics.
“This really taught us a lesson in making sure you are properly equipped even when you are on short walks so near to home.”

PET SKILLS HELP VET TO SET HIS OWN BROKEN BONE

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