RE: Never thought it could happen to ME !!
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. As a few others have chimed in with similar experiences, this has been a real eye opener for me.
I'm still fairly new to RC and am already running large scale gas engines. I'm accident free so far and I will be sure to inform my club members of the always heightened safety that is needed. Just a few moments inattention can lead to life alertering consequenses.
I think I'm going to only use the inground wing pole restraints at my field when starting my large gas engine planes now. The tie down/tail restraint is certaintly just as effective but leaves slightly more room for error.