2 Fallen Climbers in JTree 3/29 & 3/30

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FreeCoffee

Trad climber

Joshua Tree, CA

Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 1, 2014 - 11:28am PT

Release Date: March 31, 2014
Contact: Jennie Kish Albrinck, 760-367-5520

Busy Weekend for Search and Rescue at Joshua Tree National Park
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Twentynine Palms, California –

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Protection Rangers, along with volunteer Joshua Tree Search and Rescue team members (JOSAR) responded to several incidents in the park this weekend. A report of a fallen climber near Hemingway (The Cathouse) was received at 11:29 AM, Saturday, March 29, 2014. The report indicated the climber had fallen 15-20 feet and was unconscious and bleeding. National Park Rangers and medics from San Bernardino County arrived on scene and the patient was transported by Mercy Air to High Desert Medical Center.

On Sunday, March 30, 2014, a motor vehicle accident was reported just before 12:00 noon. A motorcycle went into the soft shoulder of the road approximately one-mile from the entrance closest to the West entrance to the park and crashed. The rider was wearing a helmet but appeared to have suffered a possible head injury. He was transported by Morongo Basin Ambulance to High Desert Medical Center. California Highway Patrol, in cooperation with the National Park Service, is investigating the incident.

Also on Sunday, a fallen climber at Headstone Rock was reported just after 12:00 noon. A 38-year old male had fallen an unknown distance, and was unconscious with a head wound. The patient was lowered using a technical rescue and was transported by ambulance to High Desert Medical Center. Partnering in this effort were San Bernardino County, Morongo Basin Ambulance, JOSAR and Joshua Tree National Park.

It is the busy season at Joshua Tree National Park, a time when local, domestic and international visitors all get out and experience parks and public lands. Enjoy your time here safely.

There were numerous climbers who aided in these rescues because they happened to be nearby when they heard cries for help. Big thanks to everyone who ran out to the emergency phone, flagged down the ambulances and provided direct support at the scene.

There is 1 emergency phone located at Intersection Rock Day Use Parking on the backside of the outhouses closest to the campground. For both of the climbing accidents this weekend, this phone was essential in getting timely help to the fallen climbers. If you don't already know where it is, next time you are in the park please note it's location. It is a satellite phone, so sometimes it take 30 seconds - 1 min to connect to dispatch. For cell phones - there is semi-reliable service at both the Boy Scout TH and at Trashcan Rock (Quail Springs Picnic Area).

Climb safe,

Bernadette Regan
JT Climbing Ranger