Formula 1 racer Michael Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering from severe head injury during a skiing accident that happened last December 29 in a French resort in Meribel. The 45 year old racer has already been transferred to Lausanne university hospital in Switzerland. Ambulance staff were not aware on who the patient their servicing is. They were also told to voluntarily cease their mobile devices upon arrival to Grenoble. Officials said that he had his eyes open and was conscious during the transfer.
The seven-time racing champion was taken via a helicopter to a hospital in Moutiers before he was moved to Grenoble. He was skiing with friends together with his 14 year old son when he fell on an off-piste area between two marked runs and hit a rock. According to investigators, the world renowned racer was running on a speed of a very good skier when the crash happened.
Now, the 45 year old retired racer has been in and out of coma and has been communicating with family members. The Formula One legend has been in a coma for the past six months. Though still unable to speak, he was responding to his wife's voice. Schumacher is now transferred to University Hospital Lausanne last June 16 which is closer to his family home.
According to Darcy Christen the head of media at CHUV Lausanne, regarding the racers convalescence, "It won't be days. It could be for the long-haul." He will be staying at the facility for a long period of time for rehabilitation." Medical experts say that although the patient may have come out of coma there is a little chance of a full recovery. Also, Schumacher's former doctor, Gary Hartste said he could only be minimally conscious.
Team Mercedes, which Schumacher belonged for the last three years, took to twitter the good news "Encouraging news on Michael's condition this morning. We couldn't ask for a better start to the week." Also, his manager, Sabine Kehm, speaking in behalf of his family said "Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore. For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye."
