FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING UNROPED, PLACED NO PROTECTION

California, Yosemite Valley

On July 10, while free soloing Comfortably Numb, a 5.10 climb on Cottage Dome, Susan Green (21) fell about 15-24 meters, landing upright on both feet. He then slid an additional 20 meters down a slab, sliding over one additional three meter drop. Nearby climbers hiked out and reported the accident to Tuolomne Rangers via the Mountaineering School director.

A first response NPS team of three plus the reporting party hiked to the accident scene with medical and helicopter evacuation equipment. The NPS helicopter was requested. Greer was stabilized utilizing a KED, air splits, and secured in a litter. An IV was established, and oxygen therapy was initiated. An additional ground evacuation team was hiked into the scene in the event the helicopter was unavailable. Helicopter 51 flew to the scene and was unable to land. Greer was short hauled from the scene to a nearby LZ, where he was loaded into the helicopter and transported to the Yosemite Medical Clinic. He was later evacuated to Memorial North Hospital via Mediflight. Subsequent follow-up with the Yosemite Medical Clinic showed Greer to have bilateral fractures of the tibia and fibula. (Source: James Tucker, Ranger, Yosemite Valley National Park)