As Burnzee tried the crux move out onto the slab,
he slipped. He was about 4-5 feet above the clip at the time attempting
a decent hold. He lobbed off and swung left. Unfortunately, the lower rock
buttress met with his right leg and that was the end of climbing for the
day. "It's my leg" he winced. We lowered him onto the rock slab
underneath Sail Buttress where he lay...
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| He was obviously non too well, his leg was definitely
broken. |
There was nothing to do but call Mountain Rescue,
who responded immediately and summoned an Air Ambulance. |
The Mountain Rescue guys quickly got things
under control, with adjacent climbers, (and their various items of clothing!) |
He was stretchered down the slope, now relieved
of about 2 grands worth of fleeces, jackets etc |
The helicopter was expertly landed. |
Mountain Rescue efficiently moved Burnzee down
the slope. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| He was bound up ready for the hold... |
...and slotted in. |
The chopper prepared for take off... |
...took off... |
...flew past, turned around... |
...and headed for Derby Royal Infirmary. |
Upon admission, he was found to have a spiral fracture
of the tibia and a fracture of the fibia (ouch). So that cut short the day
at the crag!
Thanks must go out to all at Birchen Edge who so
willingly assisted, including the Mountain Rescue guys, Paramedics, Police
and the superb Air Ambulance crew. Also thanks in particular, to a bloke
called Chris and a nurse (who's name I didn't get) who abandoned their climbing
to stop with Burnzee while I ran around trying to get things together (and being the sick individual that I am, taking photographs along the way! Also,
thanks to the person who must have walked off the crag on Saturday with
only one sock! While we were waiting for the Mountain Rescue team to arrive,
we tried to make Stuart comfortable, and in doing this used many climbers
articles, which were returned to their respective owners later; apart from
one sock which I nicked from somebody's boot that was nearby. If that sock
belongs to you, contact me and I will make sure you get it back!! Hope you
weren't too uncomfortable!
