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November 3, 2022

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Public Information Unit, 303-441-1500

48-year-old male sustains injuries after falling on the Second Flatiron

Boulder County, Colo. - On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Boulder County Communications Center was notified of a scrambler who had fallen and sustained serious injuries in the area of the Second Flatiron.

The 48-year-old male was free soloing a route on the Second Flatiron when he fell approximately 80-100 feet, hitting numerous rocks during the fall and sustaining injuries across his entire body. As a result of the injuries sustained during the fall, he was unable to move. Two climbers who were in the area climbed over to the injured scrambler and were able to evaluate him while calling 911. Despite his fall and numerous injuries, the injured scrambler was able to answer questions appropriately. The assisting climbers relayed information about their location and his injuries to first responders while attempting to keep the injured male warm on the rock.

Rescuers from Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks rangers were able to climb up to the ledge on the Second Flatiron where the injured party was located and provide further medical care. The injured scrambler was placed into a full body vacuum splint and loaded into a litter for evacuation off the rock face. He was lowered down the remainder of the Second Flatiron, approximately 200 feet and then evacuated by wheeled litter the remainder of the distance to the Bluebell shelter, where he was evaluated by paramedics from American Medical Response and transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further medical care and evaluation.

Agencies assisting with this rescue effort included: Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Boulder Fire-Rescue, City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks, American Medical Response, and Rocky Mountain Rescue Group.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff's Office case number is: #22 – 5546.

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/s/ Ryan Singer, Emergency Service Coordinator