Washington, Hall Peak. (See accident report.) At the end of Skubi’s 1500 foot fall, he came to rest on steep snow only a short distance from a hiking party also on the mountain. Word of the accident was taken out immediately, and several blankets were brought back on the return trip. When the rescue party arrived four hours later, Skubi was still alive but failing rapidly due to loss of blood, lowered body temperature, and shock. His body was severely bruised and cut, at least one leg was broken, there was a possible skull fracture, and the scalp was torn loose from the skull. A physician, plasma, and hot water bottles were requested immediately by radio, and the evacuation started using a mountain litter with ski attachment, and later a wheel. In one and a half hours, the physician met the rescue party as they came off the snow slope. His examination showed Skubi to be dead; whereas a check only five minutes earlier had shown him to be alive. Now followed two frustrating hours during which he was brought back to life several times. Mouth to mouth insufflation and external heart massage were applied as needed during this time, and two units of plasma were administered. Each recovery became fainter and fainter, until finally even an Adrenaline shot failed to get a response. Evacuation was completed in darkness down two miles of trail.

Source: Kenn Carpenter, Everett Mountain Rescue Unit.

Analysis: The physician stated that the life of the victim could only have been saved had the accident taken place in front of a hospital.

Whenever possible it is imperative that a physician go in with the advance party, especially if severe injuries are known or thought to exist.