Incident:Fibula fracture in Stevenson Creek (Lower) 20/07/03
| Incident:Fibula fracture in Stevenson Creek (Lower) 20/07/03 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 2020/07/03 |
| Location | Stevenson Creek (Lower) |
| Severity | Injury |
| Canyoneering-related | Yes
|
| SAR involvement | No
|
| Navigation problem | No
|
| Swift water problem | |
| Environmental problem | No
|
| Communication problem | No
|
| Planning problem | No
|
| Skills problem | No
|
| Body movement problem | Yes
|
| Rigging problem | No
|
| Rappel problem | No
|
| Insufficient gear | No
|
| Gear failure | No
|
Summary[edit]
Canyoneer sustained a fractured fibula in lower Stevenson just before the start of the first stemming section.
Accounts[edit]
The injured “person x” sustained a fractured fibula in lower Stevenson just before the start of the first stemming section. Amongst the 10 experienced canyoneers, 3 had done the canyon before multiple times in various conditions. Person x was in the middle of the group, following signals from the person in front “person y” and communicating the same to the person coming up next, “person z”. When person x arrived at the drop before the hazard, person y communicated that there was a rock which had bruised them. Person x attempted a controlled slide past the hazard, but was caught behind the rock by their right leg and pushed over by the force of the water. Once inverted their leg became freed and person x emerged and notified person y they had been injured. Person x communicated to the next in line, person z, this was not safe to slide and that they were injured.
Person x was helped into stemming position by person y, and then stemmed across this section to safety. Person x assessed the injury and was able to bear weight. The group assisted supporting the injury using an ace wrap and knee pad, and rigged an existing anchor so person x could bypass the next stem section. Person x completed the rest of the canyon, and hiked at about .001 mph until a passing cyclist offered a ride.
Upon further discussion about this known hazard in the canyon, suggestions are that this area should be stemmed or partner-assisted to better control bypassing the hazard.