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April 30, 2010

Detective Carlos Castillo was hit over the head with a cinder block, beaten and then run over with his own car at a traffic stop last week, though the 15-year-old veteran somehow survived, according to Miami's CBS affilicate.

"The vast majority of patients with this level of injuries would die. It's amazing that he arrived here alive, and amazing that he survived his surgery, a tribute to how young he is, and how strong he is and his will to live," Dr Mark McKenney told the news source.

The attack occurred when Castillo pulled over Michael Robertson, who was wanted by police. Robertson and his girlfriend, Monica Banks, attacked Castillo. Police later caught both suspects, the news source reports.

Castillo, who is in a coma, has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Doctors are unsure as to what brain damage the victim has sustained thus far, though he has suffered brain injuries, skull fractures, and severe spinal damage.

Though police officers risk their health and safety every day, anyone could experience spinal injury as the result of an accident.

The Travis Roy Foundation, which is dedicated to spinal cord injury research, estimates that between 250,000 and 400,000 Americans have experienced spinal injuries, and 13,000 new cases are of the disease are reported each year.

Individuals can help reduce their risk of a spinal cord injury by driving safely, exercising caution around firearms and taking precautions when playing sports, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Those who have survived a spinal injury but can turn to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association which offers valuable information and resources to help them live a thriving life.

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