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Activity
Other
When
Injury
Serious injury requiring medical treatment
Incident
On Sunday 19th May 2019 one of the finishing holds on Unclimbed Wall at Harrison’s Rocks broke and a young talented climber was unfortunately injured when making a solo ascent of this route. The climber was very experienced and had climbed this route many times, but unfortunately he did not tie into a rope and decided to solo this route. Sandstone is unpredictable and the finishing hold broke, approx 8 metres high. Fortunately there were other climbers near by who were first aid trained, who did their best to keep the situation under control until the air ambulance arrived.
Lessons
Soloing on Sandstone at this height should be avoided and should not be encouraged. The access from the far side of Harrison's Rocks should be reviewed, as the ambulance crew had difficultly locating us from that end.
Causes
Anonymous?
Yes
Reported By
Rescuer
Wearing Helmets?
Rescue Services Involved?
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. Plus the HART team (Hazardous Area Response Team)
Author
9 October 2019 at 10:12:21
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