Wilderness Medical Society snowmass 2005 Page 84
rock. Fitzgerald was treated for his injuries, secured to a litter, lowered over the side of a
100-foot cliff to a second team, then transported a quarter-mile cross-country to a waiting
ambulance. His injuries turned out to be relatively minor, and he was released from the
hospital later that afternoon. Rain had fallen off and on for several days prior to the training
session.
Examination of the release site at the top of the cliff revealed that a large sandstone flake
had simply let go of the surrounding rock. The rain-weakened condition of the sandstone,
an existing crack in the rock, and freeze-thaw conditions typical of late winter in the area
are thought to have been the primary reasons for the natural release.
xxxix
Conclusion
This program has been compiled using reports from Mountain Rescue Association members and
teams nationwide, as well as reports from Death, Daring and Disaster, (DD&D) by C.R. "Butch"
Farabee. The report "Keeping the Skies Safe," by Grand Canyon National Park's Ken Phillips also
provided valuable data and insight.
Analysis of the accidents has been provided by witnesses and subjects alike, as well as from
Accidents in North American Mountaineering, the annual publication of The American Alpine Club.
The National Transportation Safety Board preliminary and final reports were also evaluated, when
available.
