Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tree surgeon recounts near-death experience after slashing own neck in chainsaw accident

'My first thought was, "I’m not going to see my kids grow older, I’m a dead man, I’m a dead man"'

Alexandra Sims
Tuesday 08 March 2016 00:36 GMT
Comments
Carl Moulton, 41, from Notting Hill
Carl Moulton, 41, from Notting Hill (Youtube )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A tree surgeon who cut his own throat with a chainsaw has recounted how he managed to abseil himself down to safety following the shocking accident.

Carl Moulton from Notting Hill, was working in a harness nearly half way up a 60ft tree in a Hammersmith primary school when he slipped on a wet branch causing the power tool to slice through his neck and arm.

The 41-year-old, who has four children, suffered a six-inch gash on his arm and a three-inch wound to his neck following the incident on 16 February.

The neck wound from Mr Moulton's accident YouTube
The neck wound from Mr Moulton's accident YouTube (Youtube)

He told the Evening Standard: “I just slipped. Judging from the cuts and how it landed, it hit my arm and then rammed into my neck.

“My first thought was, ‘I’m not going to see my kids grow older, I’m a dead man, I’m a dead man.’

“But then I got some composure and realised I could still breathe and I could still talk.”

Mr Moulton managed to abseil from the tree to his colleagues, who gave him first aid and called emergency services.

He was later taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington where he received treatment for his injuries.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in