Free solo whipper(Graphic photos!!)

Chris treggE wrote: Really? Is that true?

I've always been told that. Sometimes when people fall unconscious after head injuries they never come back.

Eli Buzzell wrote: I've always been told that. Sometimes when people fall unconscious after head injuries they never come back.

Main reason to keep them engaged is so that you can judge if their mental faculties go down hill quickly - which is a very bad sign.

Good to know.

That's quite a story.

I am so glad that you are recovering and that you shared your story and photos with us. Stay strong and keep us updated.

Chris treggE wrote: Really? Is that true?

ive always have been told and understood (from currently being involved in motocross and sports in the past) that it was extremely important because it prevents one from slipping into a coma and keeps brain activity moving. Im also in understanding its a way to see if someones functions are deteriorating..Im not a human medical professional so i could be incorrect..

never the less im still glad his friend was there and acted as quickly as possible because he helped saved his life

First, I am very glad you survived!

But I have a quibble: can we really call it a whipper if you were soloing? That's a crater!

adrianna melody wrote:Holy shit! Thank god your buddy kept you awake and engaged..that one of the MOST IMPORTANT things with a severe head injury and he did it, it likely saved your life. Im going to assume they had you under heavy sedation for a period of time after this accident right? your lucky stars were all aligned for you that day and helped make it through such a horrific injury.. Good Vibes for a speedy recovery! Are you still planning on climbing in the future? (with a rope i hope!)

Yeah. Just went climbing last weekend at Descanso wall and to McCain valley about a month ago. Mt Woodson regularly. And you're absolutely right about my friend talking to me & how that helped!!! That's cool you mentioned it. I learned that through the TBI education rehab with the DVBIC & Wounded Warriors.

Good vibes to you as well! :)

teece303 wrote:First, I am very glad you survived! But I have a quibble: can we really call it a whipper if you were soloing? That's a crater!

It's just the word I used at the time of typing. No one's perfect. Crater? Like the one in Arizona?...........Ya know, It's a good thing that rock missed the road next to it. ;)

First off glad you are okay and that you appreciate your second chance at life. Good luck with your continued recovery.

Secondly, to clarify the comments regarding keeping a TBI patient alert to prevent coma...

Essentially when someone has experienced a TBI their mental status should be evaluated and then re-evaluated to monitor severity of injury. This is done using a variety of methods, AVPU, GCS, etc... and is a useful field tool to report to the rescue team and to radio back to the hospital. It can also help to guide decisions to intubate in the field, or in transport, (in the pre-hospital setting). Basically, if someone is going to go into a coma, they're gonna go into a coma, no amount of "Hey dude, are you there?" is going to help that.

(4th year medical student / WFR who is pursuing wilderness medicine as a career)
-Alex

Had you ever climbed unroped before? Also I was wondering if you've had a chance to further understand (via your partner) why he started solo'ing like that, and then why/how he convinced you to do it.

Will you be able to climb again? In what way this has changed you?

Thanks for sharing.

Russ Keane wrote:Had you ever climbed unroped before? Also I was wondering if you've had a chance to further understand (via your partner) why he started solo'ing like that, and then why/how he convinced you to do it. Will you be able to climb again? In what way this has changed you? Thanks for sharing.

I have solo'd a very little amount. The few times I did, it was only for a warmup and nothing taller than a few feet(bouldering). Certainly not up to 50ft when I fell!!

When I talked to my buddy, he solo'd a few easy routes to the right of the area for the hell of it because the routes were short and very easy. Mostly bouldering. As you "traversed" left, the routes would get taller and a little bit harder. Why I decided to solo, I honestly cannot answer that because I have no recollection/memory of that day ever happening. Could be because my partner was or it could've been an ego thing where if he was doing it, I thought I should too? Most likely, I feel its because I didn't check my ego and it almost got me killed as a result. Very hard & humble lesson learned!

It was VERY hard on him post-accident because he blames himself for me doing it when he thinks he could've stopped it and was responsible for the result that followed. I certainly don't feel that way! He saved my life and I can't thank him enough for that.

And, yes. I have been climbing since now that I've made a healthy recovery. (w/ rope, harness & !!HELMET!! :) After 10 months since the accident, I've been climbing harder routes(5.10+ - 5.11) that I couldn't have done a year ago -. It's changed me in drastic ways. I am much more cautious and far more safety conscious as a result. My career will most likely be coming to a close with a medical discharge from the military. That's been a little scary. But, I have already made plans if/when the military lets me go.

Good for you, man. Glad to hear your additional thoughts. Your original post is kinda wild, it gave me pause. I think I now better understand what your accident was all about, and how you are moving forward. Keep up the terrific positive attitude. It's an example to us all!

Peace and blessings.