| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes, Doug | 26 | Male | Fracture, lacerations | Sternum, head, legs |
West Virginia, Greenbriar Caverns:
On 24 October Chuck Pluckett, Doug Rhodes (26). Linda Starr. Hans Wackerle, John Walker, and Gerry Wilson were surveying in the Master's Cave section of Greenbriar Caverns. They reached the end of a crawlway that opened into a larger passage about ten feet above its floor. Rhodes attempted to climb down and had just about abandoned the climb as too dangerous when his left foot slipped and he fell face-downward onto breakdown. During the fall his hard hat came off, despite an elastic chin strap. Rhodes got off the rock that was pressing into his chest and sat down in great pain. He was unable to answer the calls of his companions for some minutes. They were able to reach Rhodes by another route and Walker left the cave for a chest bandage and blanket. Soon thereafter, however, Rhodes decided to try walking out. He found the trip out slow and very painful, his companions helping him every step of the way. When taken to the hospital, Rhodes was found to have a broken sternum (breastbone) and cuts on his head and leg that had not been noticed earlier.
Source: Doug Rhodes
Analysis: (Rhodes) The fall itself confirms that I was taking unnecessary risks. but I had been in similar positions many times before without difficulty. A belay would have prevented the injury but a belay is seldom used while inspecting a climb. Once again the lack of protection by the standard caving helmet has been shown; a miner's hat is not adequate protection for caving. New cavers should be encouraged to get a hard hat with a crushable lining and nonstretch chin strap. The only injury of which I was aware was my chest. At the hospital blood was noticed on my scalp and a bad laceration on my leg. If a caver receives a serious injury, a complete examination should be made immediately to locate any other injuries. The actions of my caving party during this emergency were outstanding. To them I owe apologies for screwing up the trip and deep appreciation for the help given when I needed it.
This record was last updated on 27th Apr 2024 at 23:11 UTC.