A former soldier who served in Afghanistan broke his neck when he passed out because the temperature of his shower water changed from hot to cold.
33-year-old Adrian Scott’s body was ‘sent into shock’ due to the sudden change in temperature when he quickly switched the water to cold, which can impair both breathing and movement.
This caused him to pass out and break his neck before he was rushed to the Royal Infirmary, where his injuries remain life-changing.
The ordeal happened at Mr Scott’s home on July 8, with doctors telling the veteran that the sudden temperature shift sent his body into shock.
‘I remember changing the water to cold and the next thing I woke up on the floor,’ he said.
Adrian Scott, 33, (pictured) broke his neck when he passed out because the temperature of his shower water changed from hot to cold
The ordeal happened at Mr Scott’s home on July 8, with doctors telling the former squaddie that the sudden change in temperature sent his body into shock
The former soldier, who is physically fit, served in Afghanistan
‘At first I just thought I’d knocked myself out. I put my foot through the wall and my back was in a lot of pain but then I realised I couldn’t move my head.’
A sudden drop in temperature can cause blood vessels in the skin to close and increases your heart rate.
‘The doctors told me pretty quickly I’d broken my neck. All my tests ruled out any medical conditions. They said the only thing that could have caused the collapse was my body going into shock from the sudden change in water temperature,’ said Mr Scott.
‘I’ve had many cold showers over the years to invigorate myself but after speaking with doctors I realise they can be quite dangerous.’
Mr Scott was going to be starting his own business just two days after the accident.
The former soldier, who is physically fit, served in Afghanistan and dealt a crushing blow as doctors told him he won’t be able to work for at least 12 weeks.
The self-employed fibre engineer has been unable to pay his bills and has already sold his car to make ends meet.
His girlfriend Honor Jenkinson, 25, launched a fundraiser to financially support him while he recovers.
Mr Scott said: ‘I normally go to the gym five days a week and lead a very active lifestyle. Being stuck like this has come with a set of mental challenges.
‘I’ve been told I won’t be able to work for at least 12 weeks but the doctors still don’t know what the long term damage will be.
‘I sold my car to try and cover my mortgage payments and direct debits after my savings ran out. I’m not entitled to many benefits at the moment so my partner has started a fundraiser.
‘I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received so far. It has been devastating but I keep telling myself there are other people out there dealing with worse circumstances.’
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
