By msizziec - 14/12/2015 23:09 - United Kingdom - Tiverton

Today, I got a concussion at work. Our resident schizophrenic decided to test how gravity worked by dropping a torch over the bannister directly onto my head. I'm still seeing stars. FML
I agree, your life sucks 20 700
You deserved it 1 380

msizziec tells us more.

msizziec 15

Hello, OP here! I work in a mental health and learning disability care home, so when I say resident I mean in the sense they live there. He's normally absolutely lovely, very quiet and calm, however something clearly snapped that day. I'll never know whether it was on purpose or not unfortunately! It was only a small torch (flashlight) but it was dropped about 10 ft directly onto my temple which was incredible aim if nothing else. It's not a locked unit so he's allowed stuff like that, however I did "misplace" it after the incident. A trip to the hospital emergency department after my shift proved there's no long lasting damage other than a mild concussion. After that though I've kept my distance from him... just in case!

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Top comments

gracehi 31

Before you ask, a "torch" is a flashlight in the UK. You're welcome.

213 6

Comments

obake_neechan 14

The only consolation is that the torch was not American.

88 6
rcarn 20

For those wondering, an American torch is a flaming stick, elsewhere a torch is a flashlight

51 1
Levvy 22

So what do folks in the UK call a fuel-covered flaming stick?

21 1
domolovesyoshi 33

We call it a torch, we call both of them that because they both give of light

3 1
ninjahesten 18

oki you guys are confusing, lets go danish.. torch = fakkel. flashlight = lommelygte :)

7 3
jbuckets_404 38

Perhaps said stick is called a "flashlight?"

0 1
Fuaaad1994 31

I didn't know schizophrenics liked doing physics experiments

64 6
ekalfhsa 2

I normally hate crappy puns but this one works. Heh. Good job.

4 21
christge1beast 17

It's a good thing we have that like button eh? Imagine having to read 98 more comments saying the same thing.

3 3
SecundusSecunda 27

No more counting money, we'll be counting stars!

12 24
gracehi 31

Before you ask, a "torch" is a flashlight in the UK. You're welcome.

213 6
lexiieeex3 32

I 100% thought OP meant a stick of fire so thanks for that

66 3
caspertink 17

One reason I'm glad to watch Doctor Who. Only reason I knew that already

10 3
fpants2010 18

I thought that too!

2 2
vsus98 22

Heh I thought of one of those portable propane blowtorch type thingys.

16 1
DataWog 30

I learned reading a book when I was 10. Thought the British were primitive as hell until the characters explained it.

7 0
SystemofaBlink41 27

Thanks for the clarification. I was wondering where the hell OP worked that there were torches just lying around.

3 1
jbuckets_404 38

By NOT googling "UK torch synonyms" perhaps?

0 1
rabid_otaku 29

You mean Newton? Galileo studied stars.

0 8
91hayek 31

Why do you have a resident schizophrenic? Why is he allowed to just drop things on people?

29 4
lexiieeex3 32

Because discriminating against people with psychological disorders and infringing their right to act stupid is totally okay. Right.

4 35
91hayek 31

Is this sarcasm? I hope so. He could have killed OP.

13 1
Zarcissa 34

OP could be working at a psych ward, a mental hospital or something like that.

9 1
91hayek 31

Then they shouldn't allow the patients access to heavy maglites.

14 1
MariaGiovanni 25

#9 ummm mental illness has nothing to do with it. of course they deserve to have their "rights to act stupid" "infringed" upon if said rights are putting people in danger! Today concussion, tomorrow head cracked open.

7 0
GeorgiaBea 28

Most likely OP works in a residential treatment facility or group home. Having worked at both, I can assure you and stuff like this happens a lot. I have been hit, kicked, pushed, berated, spit on, and I'm sure stuff I have blocked out. It is the nature of the job.

2 1
Sora_McKain 36

Tell me about it, but don't forget being hit on!

0 1
GeorgiaBea 28

@#80: hahahahahah, it's a little different when you work with emotionally disturbed kids... The it isn't so much fun. Or the guy who tired to pull me into the shower I was helping with... Good thing I don't melt!

0 1
heroqucas 25

That really sucks. Since it was at work, maybe you should talk to your boss to prevent this from happening again.

3 2
writerchic85 25

Press charges. If he is that unstable he shouldnt be there putting people in danger. And your job is totally responsible.

3 14
soulreaper12296 28

Since OP said "resident schizophrenic" we can assume OP works in a psych ward, which means the one who dropped it on them kinda does need to be there.

11 0
snoopy325 23

Correct, #26, but he probably shouldn't have access to heavy objects to drop over the banister if he's that sick.

7 1
writerchic85 25

Never heard of a psych ward that gives patients things they can hurt each other with. Also seems weird there was a bannister he could drop something over because that would be a risk of patients jumping or falling.

2 3
DataWog 30

Yeah, when my GF was in the hospital they were totally restricted... the roof garden they smoked in had 10ft walls to prevent jumping, I can't imagine a psych ward worth their credentials would allow an unsupervised patient into the stairwell. Dollars to donuts the doors need to be unlocked with a pass card/security code.

1 1