Driver Rick Still’s health has improved following some setbacks in the hospital after he suffered serious injuries in an accident that occurred at Ocean Downs on Sunday, Aug. 24.
On Sunday, Aug. 31, Rick's older brother Bill shared a positive update via social media: “I would like to give everybody a new update on my brother, Rick Still, they took the breathing tube out. Yesterday he was breathing on his own. Thanks everyone for all the prayers. He still has a long way to go, but this is good news. He is alert and awake and talking."
Following the accident, Rick was transported by helicopter from Ocean Downs to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. His initial diagnosis was six broken ribs, a broken shoulder and head injuries with a concussion. He had a plate and screws inserted to repair his left shoulder.
“On Thursday, Aug. 28, I got a call from the hospital telling me that Rick had suffered a collapsed lung and they needed me to come to the hospital immediately to give them permission to put in a breathing tube,” Bill told the United States Trotting Association in an interview on Tuesday, Sept. 2. “I gave them permission over the phone and went straight to the hospital.
“When I went to visit him on Saturday, Aug. 30, he was sedated but I turned on the TV so we could watch some football,” added Bill. “Then at 3 p.m. they decided to remove the tube. By 3:30, it was like a light switch was turned on; he was up and talking. It was a miracle.”
Bill explained that Rick has now been moved into an ICU rehabilitation room to help build up his lungs and that the doctors are working to get him standing to do X-rays to examine his lower back for fractures.
“It was good news that when they took off the collar and had him do neck exercises, he had no pain,” said Bill. “The plan is to try to get him home soon, maybe in the next couple of weeks, and get him into rehabilitation nearby in Delaware.”
(With files from USTA)