A MAN was undergoing emergency treatment at York District Hospital this afternoon after being impaled on a meat hook.
The 42-year-old processing operative from Malton was injured in an incident at Malton Bacon Factory, in which a spike was embedded three inches into his back near his shoulder blade. Firefighters were called out to assist ambulance workers treating the man. Terry Glover, spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said a seven-foot spike had pierced the man's back, close to his spine. He said firefighters from Malton had cut off part of the spike with a finger saw, leaving just 18 inches emerging from the man's back. Great care had to be taken to stabilise the spike to avoid causing vibrations which would worsen the pain, and might have led to paralysis. The firefighters then accompanied the ambulance as it took the man to York District Hospital.
He said they were prepared to assist doctors if needed as surgeons sought to remove the spike.
An ambulance service spokesman said the man had been impaled on a meat hook, and had remained conscious throughout. A spokesman for the factory said that the incident would be investigated fully, and the HSE was involved.
Updated: 13:32 Friday, November 30, 2001
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