Fall on Rock, Inadequate Protection, No Hard Hat, Arkansas, Sam's Throne

Publication Year: 2002.

FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE PROTECTION, NO HARD HAT

Arkansas, Sam's Throne

On March 10, a climber (36) was looking at a climb from the top of a route, but he was not tied in. He fell 50 to 60 feet and suffered major head injuries, fractures, and other trauma. He was assisted by other climbers, who transported him via backboard to a helicopter called to the scene. (Source: Anonymous)

Analysis

Each year there are at least a few reports of this kind of accident—both on rock and ice cliffs. The first order of business one should attend to for these top rope situations is setting up an anchor. Hard hats are a good idea for people at the bottom of the cliff or while climbing—to do the job they are made for, which is to protect one’s head from falling rocks or objects. In this particular case, a hard hat would not have done much good. (Source: Jed Williamson)