Local

Man recovering after getting chainsaw lodged in neck

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man continues to recover on Tuesday after he was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital on Monday with a chainsaw lodged in his neck following a tree-cutting accident in Ross Township.

James Valentine, an employee with Adler Tree Service, was working in a tree in the 700 block of Perry Highway when his chainsaw kicked back and hit him in the neck, Ross Detective Brian Kohlhepp said. The accident happened about 2:30 p.m.

“I felt it and shut the saw off.  It was in me and still running,” said Valentine.

“He was up in the tree. The crew got him down right away. It’s amazing what they did. They’re a good crew. It’s just an unfortunate accident,” said Dominic Migliozzi, with Adler Tree Service.

Dr. Christine Toevs treated Valentine at Allegheny General Hospital.

When he arrived the chainsaw was still stuck in his neck, which is exactly what needed to happen.  The chainsaw had to stay in place to stop the bleeding until doctors removed it.

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“In his case, blessedly, he missed every important structure,” said Toevs.

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Valentine will take a few days to recover but then plans on getting right back to his job.