Evacuation of Injured Ice Climber

On February 6, 2009, during a non-BAMRU related event at Eagle Creek in Tahoe, CA, BAMRU members Jeremy Rahe and Ryan Walton witnessed an ice climber fall 35 feet. The lead ice climber was pulled to the ground by his follower, who took a fall mid-way through the pitch.

A medical response and evacuation was organized. The evacuation team met local emergency response authorities near the entrance of the trail head--approximately 1.5 miles away. The response included the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and El Dorado County Search and Rescue (SAR). El Dorado SAR was conveniently conducting a winter training nearby and able to arrive quickly.

After treatment at the local hospital, the climber called to thank the BAMRU members for the assistance. It was reported that the lead climber sustained a broken rib and a small laceration to his face. The minimal injuries may have been due to the recent snowfall in the Tahoe area, cushioning the climbers' fall.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and El Dorado SAR are commended for their timely and professional response.