SamT said:
Youch.
Would be interesting to find out how and why the anchor failed. Loose rock presumably.
Also - what was the srt set up that caused a 6 foot fall - Im guessing at a single point rebelay failing resulting in the slack being taken up.
Im sure we'll find out soon.
So who from sheffield was it - who are YSS.
It was a single point natural that failed and the six feet fall is only my guess, things as you can imagine got a bit confusing.
This is a copy of the post sent to YSS egroup. It's here because there will be no doubt debate, recrimination, accusation, support etc. Better from the horse's mouth.
stu, feeling sheepish, leg in plaster, Sheffield.
p.s. don't know where the back up rope bit came from.
Well, I'm sat here thinking what to write and contemplating not being on my feet for the next two months. James's very succinct and accurate report leaves out only my name and I thank you for the courtesy James, I have an awful lot of people to thank. Most of the cavers and those on the committe will know me, Stuart from Sheffield and it was I who suffered the indignity of having to be close to Stu Weston for two hours ;-)! Sorry, I meant to say break my right Tibia.
James's account is spot on in detail (more so than the BBC... glad there was no second rope or it would have been my head that took the blow). Myself and Paul T had got through a very narrow section of passage soon to be followed by Stu W. John H, Neil and James B were just making their way through. I ab'ed down a short 6m pitch and came to a natural rebelay with a further 4 or 5 metres to the chamber floor. About 2 metres from the floor the small boulder detached from the wall and deposited me on a heap on bottom. The rock soon made it's present felt!
The pain was instant and it only took a moment for me to realise that this was going to be a bit of a problem. Paul T got to me first and quickly realise that my new found passion for swearing had little to do with Tourretes Syndrome. Stuart W arrived within a minute or so. I think John H (no offence if this is wrong) was relayed the information and Neil, James B and John kicked the arse out of it and got a call to CRO in super quick time. Cheers guys.
The next two hours passed very slowly whilst boots and clothing were cut; first aid administered and warmth (well, less warm more not freezing. In this we all suffered) was tried to be generated.
The CRO arrived, with the major difficulties being trying to get numbers through the chokes and small passageways. A group of six or seven guys and girls including Paul T and Stu W then set about helping me out.
I will be forever indebted to the people who for the next four and a half hours joked, spurred on, took the piss, took photos (hope you got my good side Paul!) and generally helped me keep my arse in gear and my head together. Thank you all.
The only positive from this little period is that I think (hope) I will be classed as a "self help with assistance" not from choice but no useful strecther could be gotten to me.
Once out I was placed into the pile cas bag waiting for the helicopter. The crew probably won't read this but thanks to you too. Lancaster RI awaited me where a clean break on the right Tib was diagnosed. I've seen the X ray and it could have been a lot worse. Paul and Stu must take credit for this as there first aid did exactly what it should have done, stopped the injury from worsening. Everyone at the hospital and CRO were impressed.
This unfortunately sounds ungrateful, but I don't like hospitals and so I got myself a discharge with the medical staffs permission at 2.30pm Sunday 13th March just over twenty four hours after the the incident took place.
Roll of Honour:
CRO
Lancaster RI staff
RAF helicopter crew
YSS for the wonderful support to Deborah (my girlfriend)
and especially John H, Neil & James who made like rockets not knowing what was left behind (always hard).
I want to resevre special praise to to guys whose place I wouldn't have envied:
Paul T, you're jokes are crap but you're a solid first aider.
Stu, second only to Debs in the comfort stakes.
Feel free to comment, take the piss, ask questions, criticise. It was an accident and I'm safe and well.