| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson, Roy | Not recorded | Male | Dislocation | Knee |
Two groups with a total of 15 persons had entered Crabtree Cave. One group split further when several members decided the cave was too difficult and turned back. At 4:30 p.m. Roy Johnson dislocated his left knee. The Western Port Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Squad was summoned and arrived before 7:00 p.m. They attempted unsuccessfully to pass a wire-frame stretcher through the fissure entrance. After admitting there was nothing they could do, and because of the cold, inclement weather, the rescue team left.
Meanwhile Johnson had dragged himself to the top of a wooden ladder but was unable to climb down. With assistance from members of his group and four additional local cavers, he got out of the cave at 11:00 p.m., 61/2 hours after the accident.
Analysis: The group selected a cave which was too difficult for them and it seems that there were not enough experienced cavers. Some of the group showed good sense by turning back when they realized the cave was too difficult for them; however, they should have been accompanied by an experienced caver. The rescue squad showed poor judgement in giving up and leaving the scene; in so doing they took first aid equipment and training from a situation where it was greatly needed. Even if it was impossible to get a stretcher to the victim they should have gone to him and tried to render assistance.