Dislocated Knee—Fall on Rock, Miscommunication, New Hampshire, Cathedral Ledge

Publication Year: 1993.

DISLOCATED KNEE—FALL ON ROCK, MISCOMMUNICATION

New Hampshire, Cathedral Ledge

On July 3, 1992, Mark Chauvin was guiding on Standard and had gone about 35 feet up the Toe Crack to a belay ledge when his first student, who was doing the crux layback move, experienced a dislocated knee and fell as a result. Chauvin did a counter balanced rappel with the student on his back to bring them to the ground. MRS members carried the victim to an ambulance.

Analysis

The student had dislocated his knee before this time. He did not communicate this fact to the guide or to other students. Even though he thought the problem had been corrected, he should have told the guide, and perhaps even have considered wearing an appropriate knee brace. (Source: George Hurley)