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Activity
Trad rock climbing
When
Ascending
Injury
Serious injury requiring medical treatment
Incident
My climbing partner was leading this route. We knew that there was no gear placement until after the bulge about half way up the route (5m high) so we put bouldering pads down on the ground in case he fell. As he got to the bulge he slipped and fell off the rock. The bouldering pads were tucked right up against the wall but because he was so high up when he fell he actually fell further out from the rock than anticipated and missed the pads. That combined with the fact that it had been a very hot for the previous few weeks and the ground was so dry it was like rock, it ended up in both heels shattering.
Lessons
Don't underestimate the risks when climbing. Can also not have too much safety gear! When doing high boulders it is a lot harder to predict where the person is going to fall so you really need more bouldering pads to ensure they will land on one.
Causes
Slip, trip or fall, Spotting error
Anonymous?
Yes
Reported By
Partner
Wearing Helmets?
Unknown
Rescue Services Involved?
Author
22 May 2019 at 14:35:02
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