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Activity
Sport rock climbing
When
Ascending
Injury
Serious injury requiring medical treatment
Incident
Two blots up the route diverges into three, It was while assessing which line to take a large chunk of rock I was holding onto came out. Nearby climbers reckoned approximately the size of an under counter fridge. This caught my knee as it fell - ultimately requiring 5 stitches. Belayer was paying full attention and reacted quickly to press against the wall to avoid. People were walking on the path below as well but similarly alert to me climbing above. This could clearly have been an incredibly serious incident that we were luck to walk (limp) away from.
Route picked as a warm up and based on guidebook description - 1 Star without falling rock symbol - see lessons learnt.
Lessons
Check up to date community feedback on UKC regarding route condition as guidebooks aren't always up to date. Although a helmet wouldn't have offered much protection against such a large piece (for either of us) In future we will be taking them to places such as this.
Causes
Falling rock, snow, ice or object, Hold breaking
Anonymous?
Yes
Reported By
Participant
Wearing Helmets?
No
Rescue Services Involved?
Author
10 June 2022 at 06:41:00
For more advice and guidance on good practices visit BMC skills
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