Update On George

I read this in the Windsor Star this morning. You can go to their site and read the article by clicking on the link below.

Firefighter battles paralysis:

"Firefighter battles paralysis
George Copeland can't move his limbs following fire truck crash
By Dalson Chen, Windsor Star
Published: Monday, March 19, 2007


Injured Windsor firefighter George Copeland still can’t lift his limbs and has fluid in his lungs, but his family’s faith in his recovery is steadfast.

“George is going to regain full movement of his arms and legs, given the proper treatment and the time span.

“We know this is going to happen,” said Conroy Copeland, older brother of the 46-year-old veteran firefighter.

Asked if George suffers from paralysis, Conroy said: “People want to know these things, but no one knows what those terms mean.”

Speaking from Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital, Conroy said George’s motions are limited to shrugging his shoulders and moving his chest.

George Copeland has been in hospital since he suffered spinal damage in a fire truck crash on March 2."

Conroy said George’s breathing has recently been compromised by pneumonia, and he uses a ventilator periodically.

“His condition has changed a little bit, but it has not deteriorated,” Conroy said.

A no-visitors rule for Copeland is in place at the hospital. In an update on the Windsor Fire and Rescue website, deputy fire chief Tim Berthiaume wrote that nurses have indicated Copeland needs to focus his energy on recovery.

Berthiaume said that Copeland is undergoing intensive physiotherapy, and he will eventually be transferred to a facility in either London or Toronto for more therapy.