Rescuer: Climber who amputated arm had no choice

USA Today ^

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP)

[ican'tbelieveit]

Yeah, again, just can't accept that people view things differently than you, therefore they are communists. You prove what is wrong with the conservative party. Can't respect differing opinions and debate the points.

[shotgun]

Hey Comrade Icantbelieveit,

have a good weekend and stay safe.

[ican'tbelieveit]

not your comrade. and please don't wish anything on me. coming from you would be a curse.

[Dubya]

WOW! Thanks for the ping.

[Paulus Invictus]

Brave but seriously unwise. As an avid hiker, I learned long ago never to go anywhere by myself without telling people where I was headed and when I should be back. The best idea of all is never go alone, but I sometimes cound not find another hiking buddy.

Another great hiker I hiked with did not learn either lesson, went hiking alone and told no one where he was going. He found himself stranded on a steep mountain slope with a broken ankle. He could neither climb up or down. They looked for him everywhere for four days and luckily found his car in a place they never thought he would go. After a long search, they found him still stranded up there and near death. They had to get him off with a copter and a lot of brave rescuers did the job. He never hiked again. A terrible way to learn.

[AlexW]

Sorry, but I say this guy was pretty stupid, if I understand this story.
He was alone? rock climbing? Trapped for 5 days? How long was it before he was declared missing?
OK, I have not read the details, but this really makes no sense.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I used to climb in Yosemite. Climbed Half Dome, and when I got to the top and took off my gear, I discovered that I had a broken collar bone. That dawn, we were attacked by bears at my camp site. My partner had to go to get a rescue team for me. I can't imagine doing such a thing alone. I know I wouldn't have made it down alive.

[Arthur McGowan]

I don't feel any pity for these morons who kill themselves or freeze off limbs, etc., climbing mountains and cliffs for no reason other than thrill-addiction.

[Thommas]

He is indeed a hard individual

Hard, yes. Threatening, no - he's 'armless.

[redrock]

The area that he was hiking in is a tough one.

Lots of steep canyon walls....and real solitude.

This time of year you might be lucky to see 1 person a week if you're hiking in there.

But...you are 100% correct...he is one tough guy.

redrock

[redrock]

"Could you also point out the clause in the Constitution that says a person has a right to be rescued from their own stupidity."

The Constitution does NOT say anything about rescuing anyone.

But...show us where it PROHIBITS the setting up of a rescue service by State or Local governments.

I think you will find that is entirely within the bounds of the Constitution to do so.

redrock

[Jeff Head]

When we lived in Nephi, I would get down into that country fairly often ... with socuts and family.

Rough country ... wouldn't go in alone unless I had to, and particularly not without letting someone know when, where, etc.

[griffin]

OK...so with a pocketknife. Wow.

So I'm assuming you start off by reaching for a stick and tie a piece of cloth around your upper arm (or above wherever he did his hewing). Make a nice pre-tourniquet.

Let's assume about a 2-inch knife. Lowest hanging fruit first....start on top. Slit quickly through the flesh and to the bone. Try to get as deep as fast as you can. One smooth stroke with ample pressure. Hope your knife is sharp! Keep that tourniquet tight!

Now we work that blade around both sides. Then from underneath a nice clean single stroke and most of the flesh is severed.

OK. So that only leaves the skeletal connective tissue. Gotta work that blade in between a joint and separate the upper arm from the captured lower....and poof! You’re free! Gotta keep that tourniquet tight!!

Man...