Pima County climber rescued after 30 ft. fall

On Saturday, December 28, 2013, at approximately 2:24 p.m., the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit responded to King’s Anvil Ranch in reference to an injured climber. It was reported the climber suffered injuries due to a fall. When the Search and Rescue Unit arrived, they learned a climber had injuries to his upper left thigh, left ankle, and pelvic area. The victim fell 30 to 40 feet after an anchor on his rope failed.

Due to the remote location of the rescue, the Sheriff’s Department helicopter was requested to assist and responded to the incident location. When the helicopter arrived, they lowered a rescue deputy, a stretcher, and a Baumann Bag, via the hoist. The injured climber was placed on the stretcher and put in the Baumann Bag before being hoisted into the helicopter.

The injured climber was flown to a landing zone near Three Points Fire Department. Southern Arizona Rescue Association (SARA) members assisted in removing the climber from the Baumann Bag and loading him into the ambulance. Once secured in an ambulance, the victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.