Farmer Amputates Own Leg To Save Himself From Equipment Accident
Nebraska farmer Kurt Kaser was performing part of his regular chores as a farmer when he found himself caught in a grain auger as he was unloading a load of corn. Kaser had stepped into a corn hopper when he found his leg caught in the machine that was running.
According to a story reported on the CBS Local website, Kaser, 63, was working alone on April 19th at his farm located near the Nebraska – Iowa Border when he fell into the piece of farm equipment. At the time and knew that he had to act quickly if he wanted to survive. Kaser pulled out a 3-inch pocket knife and amputated his own leg to save his life.
Kaser cut off his trapped leg about 8 inches below the knee then dragged himself some 200 feet to call for help because no one was at home at the time. Kaser was airlifted to Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. He spent about a week in the hospital at Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln before returning home. Determined to make the best of his situation, Kaser is now at home with his family where he continues to recover from the ordeal.
Both Kaser and his family are thankful he is alive, and although the recovery has been painful, he remains optimistic. Kaser and his doctors expect that once his wounds are fully recovered, he will be fitted with a prosthetic leg so he can get back to farming as soon as possible.
