On September 18, 2014, Yavapai Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a home on S. Hideaway Drive, Dewey, Arizona, regarding a solo quad accident involving a 9-year-old boy. Apparently during a turning maneuver the boy lost control of the full sized quad which then flipped over on its side and landed on the boy’s chest.
A search for the victim began after adults on the property initially lost sight of the boy. His 14-year-old cousin eventually found the victim in the condition indicated. The 14-year-old was able to lift the quad off the victim and seek help. Adults called 911 while monitoring his condition. At that time, the victim appeared unconscious.
The victim was treated at the scene and airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The next day, deputies learned he was in stable condition and expected to recover. Specific injuries were not disclosed in the report.
The Sheriff’s Department believes the incident offers some valuable lessons :
• The victim was not wearing a helmet or any safety gear. Fortunately, the quad landed in such a position that direct impact with his head was avoided.
• This particular quad weighs well over 600 pounds and may not have been suited for such a young rider.
• Adults told the victim to stay in particular area.
Instead, he rode off to a portion of the property he had been instructed not to go. When the victim was out of sight for about 5 minutes, the search began. The adult supervision was critical because soon after the victim could not be found, the search began. This resulted in an opportunity for his cousin to right the quad and take the pressure off the victim’s chest in a timely manner, potentially preventing life threatening injuries.
Deputies commended the victim’s cousin for his quick thinking and follow-up.