| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickerson, John | Not recorded | Male | Break | Finger |
Shortly after noon on Saturday, March 14, John Dickerson, Mike Mergans, Scooter Hildebolt and John Barnes entered Lee Cave in Kentucky. They were all experienced cavers, wearing wetsuits, and had 115 feet of rope, vertical and surveying gear, and a first-aid kit. room where they rigged their rope on a 90 foot pit. Descending, they attempted to enter an obvious lead about 10 feet above the floor. Dickerson climbed up and perched in the slot-like lead. Then Mergans threw the others' packs up. One of these was caught by Dickerson's little finger which bent back with a "snap." Dickerson, a First-aid instructor, decided the finger was probably broken and that he should go to a hospital for treatment. He down-climbed, put on his vertical rig and ascended the rope. The rest followed with the gear. They were out 1 1/2 hours after the accident. The finger was x-rayed at Fort Knox and found to indeed be broken.
Another self-rescue made simple by the close proximity of the accident site to the entrance. The accident itself could happen to anyone, but it had an effect on Barnes who was moved to state: "I feel that every caver should seriously consider getting first-aid training, and should carry at least a small first-aid kit while caving. Caving has its dangers. But if we are prepared, and are careful, we can continue to enjoy this great hobby to its fullest."