I'm glad you're ok. I had almost exactly the same kickback about 20 years ago. It cost me stitches in my upper lip and forehead, and I was lucky not to lose an eye. I was using a fairly new Delta contractor saw with a jet lock fence and no splitter. I was making oak 1x1" strips. One second I was sawing and the next second I was sitting on the floor bleeding. I learned my lesson. Splitter, PPE, properly adjusted fence, proper body placement, "shoe" type push stick. Oh, and short rips get cut on the bandsaw.