A Tla-o-qui-aht faller was seriously injured in a logging accident on April 16, just one day after his sixth grandchild was born.
Jeremy Martin, 47, works for Island Pacific Logging Ltd. He was felling a tree when he was struck in the head by falling debris.
Martin, unconscious, was flown by helicopter from the worksite to West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni where he was stabilized. From there he was taken to Victoria General Hospital for treatment.
Ray Martin said the family was deeply concerned about his son’s injuries and his chances of recovery.
“He had a bad cut to the back left side of his head behind his ear and a bruise on his left temple; his eyes were swollen shut,” said Ray, adding that his son was placed on life support and kept sedated.
The CT scan, according to Ray, showed that while Jeremy’s skull was intact, there was some bleeding on the brain and two small fractures in his spine.
The accident happened on Thursday afternoon and Jeremy remained in a coma all weekend with his large family waiting by his side.
According to Ray Martin the doctors told the family on Saturday that they weren’t sure if Jeremy would pull through.
Later that day Jeremy was taken off of sedatives and the breathing machine.
On Sunday, though, a miracle happened when Jeremy opened his eyes and recognized a family member.
Ray Martin said his son is still very confused and has a long way to go, but they are encouraged by his amazing progress.
The first words Ray heard his son say were, “Where’s my chainsaw? There’s so many trees to cut.”
Ray chuckled, saying his son didn’t realize he was in the hospital but was encouraged to know that he knew what he did for a living.
Later that evening Jeremy wanted to stand up and sit in a chair and did so with the assistance of hospital staff. He ate a little bit of his dinner that night and went back to sleep.
“The medical staff and us are totally amazed,” said Ray Martin.
On Monday, April 20, Jeremy was moved from ICU to the neurological ward. “He is still very confused but sometimes he makes sense; he has a long way to go,” said Ray Martin.
The father is grateful that things have turned around.
WorkSafe BC is investigating the accident.
Ray Martin says it is believed that when the tree fell it collided with another tree, breaking branches; one of which struck Jeremy in the head.
Jeremy Martin is the father of five children. His mother is Shirley Mack from Toquaht First Nation.
The Martins/Macks are grateful for all of the family and friends that went to Victoria to sit with them.
“It was overwhelming, but good to see that so many people care for him and love him,” said Ray Martin.
But having a large, supportive family can have its downside when it comes to healing in a hospital. The hospital staff are overwhelmed with phone calls inquiring about Jeremy’s condition. And Jeremy himself has asked people to go home so he can get his much-needed rest.
Cassandra Martin set up a Facebook Group for her father’s friends and family called Jeremy Martin Sr. – Family and Friends. People may go to ask questions, share their thoughts or read the daily updates on Jeremy’s condition. They urge people to join the site to get their updates and allow Jeremy quiet time to recover.
The same page also contains information for those wishing to donate funds to the family so that that Jeremy’s children can remain in Victoria while he recovers in the hospital.
There are two separate accounts set up for donations. One is a GoFundMe page set up by Cassandra Martin who initially hoped to gather $1,000 in donations. The $1,000 goal was quickly met and even doubled less than a week later. But the family quickly learned that they would need far more financial assistance as Jeremy slowly heals from his traumatic brain injury.
The adult children of Jeremy Martin ask anyone wishing to help with their mounting expenses to send donations via online banking. Donations may be E-transferred to 30ccm30@gmail.com.
The second account was set up by Jeremy’s brother who is gathering donations to help support Jeremy’s immediate family, including minor children, who will be affected by the sudden loss of income.
Those wishing to donate to this account may mail donations to: Noah Plonka, Box 53, Ucluelet, B.C., V0R-3AO.
Jeremy Martin Sr. and family thanks everyone for their support as they go through this difficult time.
