SRL crew member injured in post-show accident
Here's a message just now posted on the website for Survival Research Laboratories, or SRL. The group is renowned worldwide for their mechanized performances, each of which consists of "a unique set of ritualized interactions between machines, robots, and special effects devices."
Our most heartfelt wishes of support for Mr. Blair and his loved ones, and for the entire SRL community.Robodock Show Update - Todd Blair Injured in Amsterdam
In a freak accident veteran crew member Todd Blair was knocked to the ground sustaining critical head injuries after the show on Saturday. The doctors in Amsterdam are keeping him in an induced coma, and won't have a complete prognosis for a while. In deference to Todd, Alex (Todd's girlfriend), and the families, we had been keeping the information about this tragic occurence within the family. Amy Critchett and Eric Paulos were with Todd during his surgery and now Alex has arrived and he seems to be responding well to her presence.
Many people have been concerned and asking for details so while it is too early to determine what the outcome is, the news as of this morning is that his condition has stabilized and we will know more shortly.
In the meantime, for those who want to show their support checks can be made out to "Alexandra Ismerio," and sent to Susan Maunu, 3828 Alzada Road, Altadena, CA 91001.
Keep the love, prayers, and healing thoughts for Todd coming, it definitely makes a difference! Show images and video are also forthcoming, to stay on top of that keep checking the Official SRL at Robodock Page.
Here is a blog set up to track his recovery and assist with medical expenses.
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Oh my! Get well Todd!!!
A special effects crew member just died on the set of the new Batman movie as well. Not a good day for movie crews.
The SRL RoboDock web link headline reads
"A Complete Mastery of Sinister Forces
Employed With Callous Disregard to Produce Catastrophic Changes in the Natural Order of Events".
Ironic? Hmmm...
I remember when Mark Pauline (of SRL) lost a finger on his right hand when a rocket motor blew up. Considering the inherently dangerous nature of their work, despite precautions to make it otherwise, I don't know that I'd call any accident "freak" in the SRL realm. I respect their work and hope Todd recovers soon from his injuries.
Todd was one of my instructors at CCA. I really admired him as a teacher, very encouraging, supportive and helpful. He taught me how to fabricate with metal, which is a pretty wild thing, tapping holes, cutting pieces down. As a graphic design student it wasn't something I normally engaged in. I made the project I am most proud of from my time in college in his class, which meant and means a lot to me.
My thoughts are with him and those close to him, I hope he's better soon.
Get Well !
I was at the show in Amsterdam, and despite the insane machines capable of blasting flames 20m and practically deafening us from 100 paces, SRL are obviously very careful not to endanger themselves or the audience in any way. What a terrible way for their night to end though, after such an awesome performance - finale and highlight of an incredible festival. Best wishes to Todd and his family and friends.
Thanks, Xeni, for keeping us informed about this. Best wishes to Todd and SRL.
I'm just glad he didn't work for Cyberdyne Systems.
"Squeezing a hand" isn't conclusive proof of recovery. Squeezing a hand is also a primitive reflex in severely brain damaged patients. Family members often become confused and hopeful when their brain-damaged relatives squeeze their hands, but they must "squeeze my hand...keep squeezing, keep squeezing...NOW let go" and then they MUST let go when you tell them to, or they are NOT responsive.
Fifteen years of critical care. Haven't seen it all yet, but I've seen enough. And right now we've got a brain-damaged women with a facial twitch, which is actually a seizure. The family thinks she's winking at them when they come into the room. Nope. She's brain dead. And she squeezes their hands too.
This stuff is VERY hard for families to grasp.
ICU RN