RON'S STORY

Forestry worker Ron Kintzley had been a long-time blood donor, giving when the bloodmobile visited his office at the US Forest Service in Lowell. "While you’re donating," he says, "you usually never think about getting some back some day." But for Ron that day came in February 2002.

He was helping to log trees to clear land for a new house when a freak accident dropped a large tree onto him, with the tree top across both of his legs. The artery in his left leg was severed, the kneecap was torn off and he also had many torn tendons. "I could feel the blood running out—there was nothing I could do and I was in a lot of pain." His partner was able to cut the tree off and finished just as the EMTs arrived. Ron was unable to get painkillers as his blood pressure was too low. Fortunately the accident happened only 6 minutes ambulance time away from the hospital; upon arrival he immediately received several units of blood.

"At one point," he recounts, "the surgeon was talking about cutting off my leg. I am grateful for the medical professionals and the blood donors who saved my life and leg. You really appreciate how close you can come to death."

After many skin grafts, reconstructive surgery—and blood transfusions—Ron is healing well.