FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE PROTECTION Quebec, Val David, Mount King

On September 25,1993, F.C. (30), with seven years’ climbing experience, and F.D. (33) with two years experience, were attempting “The Crown,” a medium difficult route on Mount King. F.C. was leading the final pitch when she fell. Although she had placed three pieces of protection, the last two pulled out, so she fell about ten meters. She struck the rocks on her right side, then her head, and was unconscious. Her belayer, F.D., lowered her at the end of the rope to the first belay station, where other climbers took charge of moving her to the ground, and then, with the help of Paul Lapegriäre, Rescue Co-ordinator at Val David, to the parking lot. In hospital, she was found to have a basal skull fracture and bruises. (Source: Quebec Mountain Federation)

Analysis

The victim sustained head injuries in spite of wearing a climbing helmet, which indicates the importance of the helmet: she may not have survived without it. However, her protection placements were not sound enough to withstand the force of her fall. (Source: Orvel Miskiw)