SLIP ON RAPPEL, INEXPERIENCE, PANIC

Wyoming, Tetons

On July 13, 1984, David Lipscomb (18) injured his left hand when it was caught between his rappel rope and an overhanging rock lip while participating in an Exum Beginning Climbing School in Cascade Canyon.

Lipscomb was practicing his second rappel of the day, this one being over the lip of an overhang. On belay, Lipscomb walked (backed) over the lip of the overhang rappel using his left hand as his guide hand and his right hand as the brake hand. As he backed over the lip, he became frightened and panicked. He let go with his brake hand, causing his left hand to slide down the rope. In the process, his left hand was pinned against the overhanging lip of the rock by the rope, with his full body weight of about 100 kilograms pulling against the rope.

Evaluation at St.John’s Hospital in Jackson revealed contusions to the left hand. Lipscomb was released following treatment. (Source: Park Ranger Krambrink, Grand Teton National Park)

Analysis

This accident reemphasizes the reasons for belaying rappels, especially for beginners. (Source: J. Williamson)