엘캡 구조 장면

RESCUE OFF ELCAP!!

A Spanish speaking climber who was lowering off the top of Sickle ledge this morning lost control and basically fell 15 meters into the corner to the right. He smashed his femur badly and his partner called for help. This all happened around 9am and very quickly the Yosar Crew arrived and put all their training to use once again. After some discussion the decision was made to short haul the injured climber off, as the angle of the rock was not so great and the wind was mild. Chris Bellino got the call and was the first to take the big ride beneath the chopper. It is always impressive to see a short haul done off the Captain, as the mere flight, hanging from a rope under the chopper is enough to make most people wretch with fear! The NPS chopper crew was right on and Chris was soon at the scene of the accident, helping stabilize the victim for the flight off the wall. After a time Keith Lober was sent up with all the necessary kit and a litter to lift the injured climber out. Pretty cool to watch Keith get zoomed over to the Captain. Everything went as planned and soon the injured climber arrived in the meadow, escorted by Ranger Lober. The evac-chopper was already there and soon was leaving for the hospital in Modesto. Below are some of the 200 shots I got of the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Bellino blasting off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris heading toward the Cap and injured climber low on the Nose Route.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shadow tells the story of a chopper poised for the rescue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris arrives to stabilize the patient.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith Lober drops in with the rescue Kit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith and victim head back to the meadow as the others have to rap off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith and victim quickly arrived back at the meadow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Injured climber is attended to and a short time later is flown out to Modesto.

 

So that’s the way it is, on ElCap, for this Saturday, the 18th day of September, 2010. Later…. Tom

 

 

By Tom Evans

 .