FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING ALONE AND UNROPED

California, Joshua Tree National Monument

On January 19,1986, at 1310 Jim Angione fell approximately six meters while free solo climbing “Cranny” (F-5.7) at Quail Springs Picnic Area. Angione sustained a fractured left lower leg.

Upon arriving on the scene at 1345,1 observed Angione lying supine on a ledge about five meters above the ground. Subject was alert and oriented and complained of pain to his left ankle. The leg was angulated slightly medial and fracture was closed. The leg was splinted, C-spine precautions taken, oxygen administered, and subject was immobilized in a stokes litter. With the assistance of JOSAR members, subject was evacuated from the ledge to an awaiting Joshua Tree Ambulance and transported to High Desert Medical Center at 1420.

Angione stated that he had been free solo climbing for a month but had not climbed this route before the accident. (Source: Tom Patterson, Ranger, Joshua Tree National Monument)