Indianapolis firefighters got a quick course in die cutting while to free a man's hand.
Rick Lee was resetting the press when it made a movement he wasn't expecting. It pinched his hand, and he wasn't able to free it.
He tried a few things, but couldn't do it. So, after 20 minutes, he called 911, according to firefighters.
The owner of Indiana Steel Rule Die, he's been working with the machine for more than 30 years. Lee explained the machine's operation to firefighters, who eventually used a hydraulic ram. It took about 20 minutes.
He was checked out by EMS personnel, but didn't go to the hospital with them.
Lee agreed to the request to post information about the extrication in appreciation of the firefighters' efforts.
"Don't take shortcuts, or disregard safety procedures no matter how familiar you are with the machine. It only takes a split second for possible life altering consequences. I am very lucky."
Sadly, he added that the 1950's era Original Heidelberg Windmill Die Cut machine is going to be permanently out of commission.
