FALL ON ROCK

California, Yosemite Valley

On Saturday, July 23, 1983, at 1830, I was contacted by Nancy Kerr regarding her friends on the Northwest Face of Half Dome. One, Ken Morrell (23), had injured himself, but was OK and wanted to finish the climb, with Ben Schifrin leading the rest of the way. I notified dispatch and told them that I would take action the next day by walking to the top of Half Dome. At 0940 on July 14, I made contact with the climbers. All was fine except for Morrell’s dislocated patella. They finished the climb at 1430 and I gave a medical assessment of Morrell’s condition. Schifrin, who is a paramedic, had splinted Morrell’s left leg, so I did not perform any first aid. After notifying dispatch, a helicopter was flown to the top of Half Dome. Morrell was evacuated to the Clinic for further testing. (Source: Dan Patten, Ranger, Yosemite National Park)

Analysis

This is a good example of climbers taking care of themselves and being able to withstand discomfort. (Source: J. Williamson)