Man survives 30-foot fall in extensive rescue
May 5, 2022, 4:18 PM | Updated: May 6, 2022, 5:52 am
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — A man suffered hip and head injuries but is in stable condition after falling approximately 30 feet while rappelling in Snow Canyon State Park.
According to Sgt. Darrell Cashin with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and a search and rescue liaison, a call came in at 12:05 from a man who was repelling with his grandfather in Johnson Canyon in Snow Canyon State Park.
His grandfather is in his 80s and it’s estimated he fell 30 feet, injuring his head and his hip.
High Angle team EMS and Gold Cross along with Ivins Fire Department responded. The high angle team hiked in above him and rappelled into the canyon with a paramedic. They were able to control the bleeding and care for him medically.
The man has been placed in a “stokes basket” as they carry him to the next rappel. It will require them to lower him 200 feet and then carry him 15 minutes out to a medical helicopter that is waiting for him on the ground.
According to Cashin they haven’t gotten to the 200-foot drop yet and expect it to be an extensive rescue process.
The identities of the two men repelling including the victim were not released.
This story is developing and will be updated.