On Monday, September 23, National Park Service rangers responded to a climbing accident at Star Trek Wall. A male climber (age unknown) had rappelled off the end of his rope and fell about 35 feet. He sustained lower limb and back injuries in the fall. Rescuers had to carry the victim out of the area more than one mile over rough terrain. The victim was loaded onto a helicopter and flown to Charleston Area Medical Center. (Source: NPS Morning Report.)

Analysis

A pre-rappel check should always include you and your partner(s) double-checking the anchor and visually inspecting the ropes to be sure they reach their intended destination, and that the rope ends are even and each have stopper knots. Check the rappel device to make sure that it is set up and oriented correctly; check the carabiner gate (locked); and assess the need for a back-up. (Source: Aram Attarian.)