VARIOUS FALLS ON ROCK, PROTECTION PULLING OUT, INADEQUATE RELAYS

New York, Mohonk Preserve, Shawangunks

Twenty-three climbing accidents were reported in 1991, seven of which resulted in fractures. In five cases, protection pulled out, and three accidents were due to belayers dropping their seconds to the ground. The worst injury was a fractured and dislocated elbow, which resulted when a first-time leader fell ten feet on the top pitch of Rusty Trufel (5.3).

One life-threatening situation occurred to a climber as he was walking up to the cliffs by Sleepy Hollow. He disturbed a swarm of feeding yellow jackets, was stung multiple times and went into full anaphylactic shock. He has a history of being allergic to bee stings, but even a non-allergic person may have suffered under such a severe attack. The climber recovered with no ill effects, but we are all to be reminded of the potential accidents which can occur if bees are encountered while climbing. (Source: Mohnonk Preserve)