Trot Insider has spoken with Lynda Hamm, wife of horseman Roger Hamm, whose life was saved Thursday, August 20 during the Adrenaline Festival
at Sarnia's Hiawatha Horse Park. Roger displayed no vital signs before paramedics utilized a defibrillator. "If those [paramedics] hadn't been there -- if it was just minutes longer -- I don't think he'd be with us today," Lynda said.
Outlined in a Trot Insider report last week , Roger collapsed and fell from his race bike shortly after qualifying Glenmount Dianne in the third race.
Lynda, who was at the track when the "surreal" incident occurred, offered her perspective on the incident to Trot Insider.
"I was over by the paddock and I saw the loose horse running around, which would concern anyone. I realized that Roger was driving in the race and then realized that it was his horse that was loose. I got over to him as fast as I could. All I can say is that it was a truly surreal experience," she said.
Lynda also stated that there is a chance Roger will be returning to their Dutton, Ont. home today. Roger was in the Sarnia Hospital until Monday, when he was then moved to the University Hospital in London, Ont.
"He's doing pretty well, actually," Hamm said. "Things were a little touchy for the first two or three days, but he's had visitors and is doing pretty well."
She said that the outpouring of support via the SC website and telephone calls have been unbelievable.
"I want to take the opportunity to thank all the well wishers that have sent forth their words of encouragement and support," Lynda said. "We've seen all the comments on the [Standardbred Canada] website and have received calls from all over North America.
"We cannot say thank you enough to the paramedics (Casey Porteous, Krista Law and Darren Spitzig). Their professionalism was unbelievable."
Last but not least, Lynda said that if any situation would exemplify the necessity of having defibrillators in public places, this would be it. "The defibrillators are life savers. I think everybody that was there can now say that they have seen the machines' effectiveness first-hand."
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering Roger Hamm a speedy recovery.