Schumacher in critical condition following ski accident
Former F1 World Champions Michael Schumacher has suffered a head injury while skiing in the Alps. He was quickly transported to hospital and is receiving further medical.
The press officer of Schumacher released the following statement following the injury which appears not to be life threatening.
“In a private ski trip in the French Alps Michael fell on the head. He was taken to hospital. We ask for understanding that we cannot give continuous information about his health. He was wearing a helmet and was not alone. In his fall, no other person was involved.”
It appears Schumacher fell and injured his head upon hitting a rock. This incident happened while he was skiing off-piste between the slopes Chamois and Biche. The medical services responded quickly and according to the Méribel Ski Area director Christophe Lecomte the German was airlifted at 11:15 local time, 8 minutes after his fall.
Transferred to UHC Grenoble
At noon, Schumacher was transferred to UHC Grenoble for specialist case, following the aggravation of his condition. Olivier Panis turned up at the hospital at around 19:00 but commented nobody was allowed to see him, hoping he will soon get better.
At 22:40, the hospital officially confirmed Michael Schumacher's status: "M. Schumacher was admitted at UHC Grenoble at 12:40. He suffered from a several cranial injury and was about to go into coma. This required an immediate neurosurgical intervention."
The statement continued by saying that the German's situation remained critical and was signed by neurosurgeon prof. Chabardes, anesthesist prof. Payen and assistant general director Marc Penaud.
Condition 'extremely serious'
During a press conference on Monday morning at the hospital, the doctors looking after Schumacher confirmed once again that the injuries are very severe, making it impossible to make a prognosis for the comings hours or days.
Professor Jean-Francois Payen said: "I would say that this accident was particularly serious and was dealt with immediately at our hospital. He underwent a brain scan and we immediately operated him.
"So far we have applied all the recommended treatments but for the moment we are not able to express ourselves with regard to Michael Schumacher's future. He is in a critical condition and his condition is said to be extremely serious. He is in intensive care."
It was further noted that the serious lesions indicate Schumacher hit the rocks on his right side and at high speed. According to prof. Chabardes, it is clear that without a helmet, Schumacher would not have made it to the hospital.
Minor improvement
A further bulletin on Tuesday revealed minor improvement following a second surgery.
At the same time, Schumacher's press officer Sabina Kehm rejected reports that the German fell at high speed, saying he lost control while going over a rock to help a friend who had falled. Schumacher subsequently lost control himself and fell on another rock.
