Bristol dad cheats death in 11,000-volt explosion
A Bristol father-of-four who cheated death when he was set on fire in an 11,000-volt explosion at work says his wristwatch may have saved his life.
The 51-year-old, who lives in Bedminster Down, was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital after the accident in September and spent five days in intensive care being treated for burns to his face, chest, neck and arms.
But he has now made a remarkable recovery and puts his early return home down to the “friendliness and positivity” of the nurses who cared for him – and the role played by his metal wristwatch.
Cable jointer Mr Edwards was connecting a high-voltage switch in Stroud in the belief the electricity was turned off when the accident happened on September 18.
He said: “It was touch and go. I should have died from an 11,000-volt explosion. I think it was my watch that took the electricity down to earth rather than my body.“It has gone black but it is still working.
“After I was burnt I was fully aware of what was going on. I can remember coming away and trying to put myself out and then my colleagues threw me on the floor.
“A paramedic was there in what seemed like no time. It felt good and like the situation was in control.”
Mr Edwards spent five days in intensive care in an induced coma. The medical team cleaned his burns, which required him to be anaesthetised because the skin was so delicate, and grafts were carried out.
Mr Edwards’ nine-year-old daughter Lauryn was not allowed to see him for a week because the burns were so severe. But his three older children, Dean, 32, Wesley, 30, and Stephanie, 22, from his previous marriage, were at his bedside with Mr Edwards’ wife Lynn.
Mrs Edwards, 41, a part-time civil servant, barely recognised her husband when she first saw him at Frenchay Hospital.
She said: “It was lucky Steve had his hard hat on because that saved his hair. He was totally unrecognisable apart from his hair.
“They told me he had 20 per cent burns and that the neck was pretty bad but that although his face was burnt, it was going to be all right, which was difficult to believe when I first saw him.”
Mr Edwards now returns to Frenchay Hospital twice a week for physiotherapy and other appointments.
He has returned to ward 104 to thank the staff who cared for him.
Money collected from family and friends has been given to the nursing team so they can put it towards their Christmas night out.
Mr Edwards said: “When I had a really low point, when it dawned on me how close it had been that day, one of the nurses came in and asked me what was up, even though they were busy.
“They put my mind at rest so much and it changed my outlook.
“From that moment I moved on and pushed on with everything and I think that is what got me out of hospital so quick – the friendliness and positivity of the nurses. It was almost a pleasure to be there.”
The family is also going to raise money for the Great Western Air Ambulance because they were so impressed by the team that helped Mr Edwards.
He said: “We want to thank the air ambulance because they were incredible.
“I know the hospital did a lot of the work for me but they got me there and they need the support.
“I can’t thank them enough.”
26 Comments
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by Mike, Canada
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 6:40PM
“Never assume everything is ok just because someone else says it is. If a lock-out procedure was in place he should have had his own personal lock on the isolating switch...not to be removed by him until his work is completed. This is standard procedure in industry for electrical systems, pressurized systems and any machinery that has stored energy.”
by K, Bristol
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 1:13PM
“To suggest this man is an alcoholic is a disgrace. He has suffered the most unimaginable accident - which he is quite obviously not at fault - read the article again for those who have suggested otherwise. A hard working Dad of four does not deserve these vile and possibly libellous comments.”
by BS15, Bristol
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 9:47AM
“Time for some facts. A qualified engineer signs a permit to confirm that the power is off. He then hands over to a colleague, in this case the gentlman involved, who then works on the circuits. It is therefore clear in this case that whoever signed the permit stating the electric was switched off Was at fault not the poor electrician that got badly injured.
Yes he has a red face- it's called scarring, due to the terrible burns he suffered.
I'm apalled by the reaction of some on here. Jumping to ill informed conclusions when you have no idea.”
by Snakes, Brizzle
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 12:04AM
“As an electrical engineer, I have to comment on the fact he thought it was dead. I ALWAYS, ALWAYS check that the system is de-energised before working. I am glad that he is still alive but, think he may need re-training.”
by Mike kebby, Bristol
Monday, November 23 2009, 11:21PM
“I think all of you apart from George are idiots, if you read the article it says he was told the electric was off, well this was by a qualified engineer so it was not his fault, if you also read this is a man with 4 children and a wife it isn't made up, this guy almost died and you think it's funny to have stupid conversations with each other about a man who's lived threw hell for the last 2 months. Idiots that's all I can say!!!!”
by Mike, Canada
Monday, November 23 2009, 7:41PM
“Health & Safety George. You don't just assume everything is ok in situations like this. This is why we have "Lock-Out" procedures to ensure workers don't get injured or killed.”
by hannah, bristol
Monday, November 23 2009, 7:38PM
“I think it was my watch that took the electricity down to earth rather than my body.¿It has gone black but it is still working."
Er.....if it was "black" , how does he know it was "still working"? Just wondered.....
bemused ? if you bought a copy of todays evening post( eveidently you did not) then you would have seen the photo of the watch in there, the straps knackered but the face is ok!! if im not much mistaken it looked like a rolex.”
by george, bristol
Monday, November 23 2009, 7:36PM
“drug******
sorry for the typo please dont attack me for that too!!! ;)”
by george, bristol
Monday, November 23 2009, 7:35PM
“so if i decide to write my opinion on here im a fool??
ohh i see how it works your opinion is THEE only opinion that matters?!
have you ever thought that the burns he had to his face could be causing the red veins to be flared up??
noooo we couldnt even think that in this day and age he MUST be an alcoholic hes probably a drugh dealer too and fiddling the tax man, living on a council estate!!!
what a pathetic person you are!!
ripalton.....good point :)”
by george, bristol
Monday, November 23 2009, 7:30PM
“"annoyed"
"Looks like a bit of an alcoholic to me"
are you for real??? ever heard of the saying never judge a book by its cover?!?!?
have any of you ever made mistakes??
never left the bath on, forgotten to switch the oven off...
put a new bulb in a light without switching it off first?!?!
people make mistakes and he made one yet hes the devil for doing so, nobody was hurt but himself and he is now recognising the good work of the emergency services and raising money for them!!
give the guy a break not everyone is perfect like so many of you!!!!!!”