Agee in most regards with the ER doc---and I have a few other thoughts...
1) not a lot of wind (agree)--+ it does take some force, BUT NOT much to impact the upper veterbrae (C1-C2-C3)...all in the impact + angle of impact
2.) My thought is that I don't believe it neccssary to hit bottem--( water is solid enough) with an object moving with forward velocity to cause a fatal Fx..
I believe that hitting the water alone with a forward momentum can cause a traumtic hyper-extension of neck ( cervical area) resulting in a fatal fx..
Rare- a billion to one but I've seen it happen
And to anyone who comes upon a suspected Spinal injury---
a few suggestions to help---
Spinal stability + Immobilization can be imperatitive--
make sure they are immobolized, flat,neck supports, towels------ the sand bags that you use to keep your kite down----would work great in place of a cervical collar
a fx can become a bad fx--- a bad fx ----can become worse..
No problem to err on the side of safety---everyone in the long run will be much relieved
jp
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