Posted on 04/14/2006 7:46:43 PM PDT by bellamyriverdweller
Dodds, hospital spokesman, state police speak to press
By Elizabeth Dinan edinan@seacoastonline.com
PORTSMOUTH Crashing his Continental, then getting lost for 26 hours, caused congressional candidate Gary Dodds to suffer a concussion, "situational amnesia" and significant nerve damage to his feet, said Portsmouth Regional Hospital spokesman Nancy Notis.
During a 5-minute press conference held in a hospital courtyard Friday, Notis and Dodds spoke in front of eight television cameras, a half-dozen still cameras and a dozen news reporters, proving Dodds ordeal has also brought him name recognition. Surrounded by family and hospital officals Gary Dodds is wheeled out of Portsmouth Regional Hospital Friday for a brief press conference to talk about his medical condition following last week's accident. Photo by Rich Beauchesne
With Dodds permission, Notis summarized his medical condition as improving daily, adding he was not suffering from hypoglycemia and no drugs or alcohol were found in his bloodstream when he was admitted the evening of April 6. Notis said the Rye resident continues to have difficulty with his balance and walking, that the condition is not long-term and he will continue his recovery at home.
Dodds, 41, of Rye, was scheduled to be discharged following the press conference.
Seated in a wheelchair, he appeared with his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters. Dodds told the media he was alone when the accident occurred April 5 at about 8:15 p.m. as he was traveling to meet with his campaign treasurer. He lost control of his 1997 Lincoln Continental, hit a guardrail on the southbound side of the Spaulding Turnpike in Dover and went missing until a rescue dog found him the following evening.
On Friday he said he remembered the roads being snow-covered, his air bags opening, being exhausted, wet and cold and hearing helicopters that "seemed far away." He said he also recalled climbing a hill, then covering himself with leaves for warmth.
"I have three women in my life," said Dodds before introducing his wife and young daughters. "This has been a great ordeal. I am thankful to be alive and going home. Its been a lot for me and a lot for my family."
Dodds thanked rescuers, hospital staff and friends, said he is still unable to walk or drive and will be "scaling back" his campaign to unseat Congressman Jeb Bradley until he regains his health.
"Im going to be taking each day one day at a time," he said. "I hope to resume a full schedule as soon as possible. Thats all I have to say."
As he was pushed by a nurse back into the hospital, reporters shouted unanswered questions.
State Police Sgt. Richard Mitchell said Friday he could not answer questions about his agencys investigation into the accident and subsequent search, which included police dogs, multiple police agencies and helicopters.
"I cant release any information because its an active case," said the state trooper.
Mitchell said he did not know when the investigation would be complete.
"We havent even interviewed the guy yet," he said. "We wanted to wait until he got out of the hospital."
Asked if Dodds interview would be the last, Mitchell said "not necessarily."
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