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Mark Taft seriously injured |
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February 11, 2012 |
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Mark Taft |
Mark Taft, 36, the son of John and Jan Taft,
Bonners Ferry, was on his job as an electrical
lineman for Central Lincoln PUDin Florence,
Oregon, Thursday
afternoon when he scaled a pole and came into
contact with a line that was still energized.
The force of the shock knocked him off the pole
and flipped him upside down, leaving him
dangling from his safety harness.
Crews were able to reach him and safely bring
him down, and he was transported to Emmanuel
Burn Center, Portland, Oregon, having suffered
severe burns from his neck to his feet.
According to family friend Judy Everhart,
doctors are worried that they may have to
amputate his index fingers and are still
assessing the extent of his internal injuries.
Though he is conscious and talking, she said
it's expected that he will be hospitalized for
at least eight weeks.
Details on the accident are sketchy; Mark
doesn't remember much. Central Lincoln PUD is
investigating the first serious injury accident
they've had in memory.
After getting the news, John and Jan drove all
night to Portland, arriving Friday morning.
"He's hanging in there," John said. "He has a
long recovery ahead of him, but he's tough. He's
a fighter, and he's determined to recover."
Mark's already undergone two surgeries since the
accident and he's facing several more, and it's
unknown as yet how lasting his injuries will be.
"He's in a lot of pain, but he has a positive
attitude," John said. "He loves his job and what
he was doing, but we don't know yet whether
he'll be able to go back to it."
According to John, most of the energy from the
jolt he took exited Mark's body through his arms
and hands, where the damage is most extensive.
"He's in for a long haul," John said.
Those who'd like to send flowers, cards or
encouragement can address them to Mark and
Ieacia Taft, 3470 East Myrtle Loop, Florence,
OR 97439.
"We'll be going back and forth,"
John said, "and
we'll make sure Mark gets them." |
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