Fall on Rock, Pre-Existing Condition, Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Redgarden Wall

Publication Year: 2011.

FALL ON ROCK, PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Redgarden Wall

On Saturday, September 25 Maria Petzolt (26) dislocated her shoulder unexpectedly while pulling on a hold on the fourth pitch of Ruper (5.8), a 6-pitch route on the Redgarden Wall. Maria had dislocated the same shoulder five weeks earlier on another outing. Her male climbing partner lowered her to a secure position a few feet lower and called 911 on his cell phone. When rescuers arrived, they administered medication and reduced the shoulder after a few attempts. Ms. Petzolt was tandem-lowered to the base of the wall. She refused an ambulance and was transported to a hospital in a private vehicle. (Source: Steve Muehlhauser, Park Ranger, Eldorado Canyon State Park)

Analysis

Many people have a pre-disposition to spontaneous shoulder dislocations. If a climber knows about this, he or she can compensate by taking care on how far to reach and how much leverage to exert. (Source: Jed Williamson)