Rescue in Zero Gravity

[Jaun_Jablome]

From Mark Rosen

A boy scout got stuck in Zero G last Wednesday. This is what I have learned from the group leader. I relate the story so that we can learn from the experience and not to condemn anyone involved. I've had members of groups I have led become stuck and I'm not trying to throw stones but would like to use the experience to start a discussion of ideas on how to free someone that is stuck. I know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure but lets just assume they are stuck now what do you do?

First, the story as related to me. I was not there:

"On Wednesday June 16, 2010 a group of Venture Scouts hiked the canyon known as Zero Gravity (aka Little Iron Wash) in the San Rafael Swell. All went well until the exit. We had one large boy (estimated weight is about 265 – 280 lbs) who I had worries about regarding the last portion. Sure enough at the choke stone he would not/could not go over the stone as instructed and elected to stay low. He did not stay high enough under the choke stone or move far enough down canyon before trying to descend through the crack. He got his legs and hips through but got his torso stuck in the crack with his legs hanging free.

His initial attempt at the exit was at about 2 pm. He was not wearing a harness. None of us were. We had 50' of webbing, 2 x 25' lengths of webbing, 30' of static rope, a few carabiners, a belay device, and a figure 8. We had used the rope and 50' length of webbing to assist in some of the down climbs with success.

After about 5 minutes of trying to get himself out he started to panic. I climbed down to assist and see if I could give him directions on how to free himself. From my vantage point just up canyon from the choke stone I could see that he was very close to getting free. He needed to get higher and down canyon and could drop through the bomb bay doors and out along the 50' length of webbing. We had a group behind us and the leader of that group came up to the choke stone to assist. He and I rigged some ladders for our boy's feet and hung them from the choke stone and rigged some handles with an ascender and some webbing for his hands. We tried for about an hour to get our boy to free himself using the ladders and handles but our boy could not pull himself free with those tools. After the hour it became obvious that we did not possess the gear or skills to get him free. At this point his chest and shoulders were free. He had one boy in our party climb up and allowed the stuck boy to stand on his shoulders for about 3 hours. Others would take turns supporting him.

We had a Satellite Phone and sent one of the people who were ahead of our stuck boy to the car where another in our party was waiting for us. The leader at the car used the Sat phone and his On-Star system in his Chevy truck to contact 911. For the next 1.5 hours he worked with On-Star until help arrived.

The first on the scene was an EMT from Green River. This was about 6 pm. She climbed up and gave our boy a break. She brought soap that the boy applied to his back and stomach. From her vantage point she thought we could free him by coming down. They spent the next 1.5 hours trying to get him to go lower. When they were finished he was stuck just about at his chest. At about 7:30 a Sherriff repelled down but did not help much. I believe that they did not fully understand the situation and were focusing on the 7 from our group that were at the open area just before the last slot and the group behind us. They all had to ascend out of the canyon. He gave me a 4:1 pulley system that I tried to rig in the slot to pull our boy back up canyon but I was unable to do it. I told the sheriff that we needed more bodies down below and maybe someone in with me as I was getting tired and dim witted.

One of our boys hiked to the car and met up with a deputy; he told the deputy that our boy as still stuck but conscious and with no discernable injuries. At that point the deputy took off up canyon. He arrived about 9 pm. Once on the scene, he climbed up to our boy and with the help of some others made human pyramid. Once at the same level as our boy he told him that he was going to get him out. His energy was infectious. Our boy did not have a chance to doubt or complain or panic. The deputy grabbed our boy by the shirt and shorts and pulled him free in about 5 minutes. If that did not work I believe they were going to put a harness on him and pull him up. He was free at about 9 pm. Shortly after I got to the cars our other boys arrived. They all ascended the ropes or were pulled out.

I thought all we needed was a few more people and some leverage. Our boy was tired and not all that helpful with extricating himself when he had energy so it was obvious we needed more help to get him free. If it were a smaller (lighter) boy we may have been able to lift him free from the choke stone. I could not provide the upwards leverage from the choke stone safely and I am not sure he would've been any help or been able to hold on to anything and I not sure how we would've rigged a harness that would not have slipped off as I pulled. Pulling the boy's legs from the bottom was too risky. We did not have think of pulling him down canyon and I am not sure how I could've got into that position with the tools and numbers we had.

In hind sight, he was too large to attempt this canyon but I thought he could do it and that it would be a great experience for him – conquer a difficult canyon. I still think it turned out well but not in the way I first expected. "

The canyons group has had lots of stories over the years about people getting stuck. Some that I remember the best are the Chambers incident, Pandora's, and Ram relating how to meet one's fears and get through some truly narrow places.

From this I have a few principles.

1. Try not to panic. Easy for me to say. I remember the young lady in Pandora's. She remained cool, calm, and collected the whole time.

2. I remember having two scouts stuck in Nutty Putty Cave, One large guy stuck in Anaszi canyon, my brother stuck twice in the Cathedral group. Usually we solved the problem by having overwhelming numbers. Guys up above, guys in front, guys in back, pushing, pulling, and lifting sometimes with a mechanical advantage. There are some advantages to big groups of diverse people with different talents.

3. I remember my first trip through Choprock and one person misjudged and came down to soon. It seemed like Jeff Dredge was instrumental in freeing him. Sometimes having someone who is really strong helps.

4. I like having them in a harness so there can be an attachment point to lift but sometimes that can also get stuck and make things harder. I remember one boy in Nutty Putty cave that we got off his belt and he almost came out and I think he was down to underwear before he was finally free.

5. I haven't carried a bolt kit in years but that seems like it may come in handy at times. How about a saw and some wood to try to jam under their feet?

6. Relaxation often helps. Fat is fairly easy to move around but the pelvis and chest don't move much.

7. This story mentions how the deputy inspired the boy removed the doubt about getting free. I remember doing Shenanigan's with Tom Jones. Parts were tight and my chest hurt for a couple weeks afterwards but there was Tom doing it and if he could get through I could to so I didn't question. Having a positive attitude is a big one.

8. I did refuse to take some people because they were too fat and I got my wife mad at me once by refusing to take one of my brother-in-laws on a particular canyon for that reason.

So what are your pearls to free a stuck canyoneers?

[jman]

Woah, thanks for posting this.

[ratagonia]

And... when leading a group of boy scouts or equivalent, bring a rope whether the canyon requires it or not. Remember the gruesome death in Knotted Rope a couple years ago? Hard to do a rescue without any gear. A big group can carry gear.

2 cents...

Tom

[Spidey]

And... when leading a group of boy scouts or equivalent, bring a rope whether the canyon requires it or not. Remember the gruesome death in Knotted Rope a couple years ago? Hard to do a rescue without any gear. A big group can carry gear.

2 cents...

Tom

X2

[Iceaxe]

How the canyon got it's name should be a warning.....

How did Zero Gravity get it's name? The first time we canyoneered the slot I dropped through the exit bombay a little too early and became wedged between the canyon walls. I was stuck at my chest, but my feet were hanging down into space about 10-feet above the ground. I was suspended in air and looked like Wily E. Coyote running in space, or zero gravity. After my friends finished laughing and making fun of my predicament they helped me escape the trap.

[UtahAdventureGuide]

All I'm going to say is that scout leader used poor judgment that put the lives of the group at risk. He should be removed from that position. WTF are scouts doing in that canyon, or any canyon for that matter.

[Spidey]

All I'm going to say is that scout leader used poor judgment that put the lives of the group at risk. He should be removed from that position. WTF are scouts doing in that canyon, or any canyon for that matter.

I've taken my scouts through that canyon, as well as the laurels from our ward. I've also taken our scouts and Laurels through Chop rock. Not to mention I have taken the scouts through Heaps, Full Imlay, Several Powell canyons Etc. Etc. Maybe that's why I don't see the problem should he have been better prepared of course. I'm not following your logic on this.

[Don]

I've taken my scouts through that canyon, as well as the laurels from our ward. I've also taken our scouts and Laurels through Chop rock. Not to mention I have taken the scouts through Heaps, Full Imlay, Several Powell canyons Etc. Etc. Maybe that's why I don't see the problem should he have been better prepared of course. I'm not following your logic on this.

I think it's valid to assume that most scout masters don't have your technical skill, nor access to your technical gear. Hell, around here they're barely volunteers, being told by the church that you are the new scout master is what we, in the army, would call being 'vollen-told'. As in 'thanks, you just volunteered to clear this mine field now get your ass out there'. A guy assigned to the scouts might have less enthusiasm (god only knows his skill level) than a volunteer who chooses to get involved.

[Spidey]

I think it's valid to assume that most scout masters don't have your technical skill, nor access to your technical gear. Hell, around here they're barely volunteers, being told by the church that you are the new scout master is what we, in the army, would call being 'vollen-told'. As in 'thanks, you just volunteered to clear this mine field now get your ass out there'. A guy assigned to the scouts might have less enthusiasm (god only knows his skill level) than a volunteer who chooses to get involved.

Fair enough, I still don't think the assessment of why would anyone take scouts into any canyon is fair or accurate assessment. Was he prepared enough with gear or experience obviously not. This is a huge problem around here in provo, I run into scout leaders regularly lately, that have been through an 8 hour or so training course here locally and are being told go ahead your ready to take boy scouts canyoneering. Every single one that I have asked questions of has revealed that they have no business taking themselves through a canyon let alone boys, as a quasi guide. Still the assertion that no one should be taking boys through any canyon is a very big stretch.

[Scott Card]

Still the assertion that no one should be taking boys through any canyon is a very big stretch.

X2

Canyoneering is a fantastic activity for the 16-18 year old Venture Scouts. I have taken many, many Ventures through canyons. Not all canyons are created equally. Not all leaders are created equally. It is the leaders that need training and experience and wisdom.

I do remember when Shane showed us this little gem, he asked us what we thought the rating should be. I remember our discussion that a straight 3 would be accurate except for the bombay. We discussed that a 4 would be too much but a 3R or 3PG-13 would be appropriate. The bombay is, or can be a significant challenge depending on body size, training, experience and gear, to name a few.

[Branin]

I've taken my scouts through that canyon, as well as the laurels from our ward. I've also taken our scouts and Laurels through Chop rock. Not to mention I have taken the scouts through Heaps, Full Imlay, Several Powell canyons Etc. Etc. Maybe that's why I don't see the problem should he have been better prepared of course. I'm not following your logic on this.

I'm all for scouts, and other youth groups in canyons. If it's done right.

[price1869]

All I'm going to say is that scout leader used poor judgment that put the lives of the group at risk. He should be removed from that position. WTF are scouts doing in that canyon, or any canyon for that matter.

Sounds to me like the kid needs to be in more canyons, and fewer video games/buffet lines. Take kids out and take risks. UAG, with that attitude, we're all going to end up like the humans on Wall-ee.

[stefan]

From Mark Rosen

A boy scout got stuck in Zero G last Wednesday. This is what I have learned from the group leader ...

it is poor forum etiquette to post something, especially an account posted by an individual, from one forum to another without the permission of the original poster.

[Deathcricket]

In hind sight, he was too large to attempt this canyon but I thought he could do it and that it would be a great experience for him – conquer a difficult canyon. I still think it turned out well but not in the way I first expected. "

Poor choice of wording IMO.

Great story though, I almost thought it was fake reading about "human pyramids" and such. Would love to see some pics.

[Bo_Beck]

I am glad you got him out without significant injury. Never have been there, but trying to imagine the scenario leads me to a thought that maybe you tried? You suggested that you were given a "4:1" MA? I then read that this didn't work? There must've been an anchor above the boy? Anyway I get the feeling that this was a pre-rigged "Aztec" or 4x5? Maybe by using a 5' sling "horseshoe" under the boys armpits with the connection to the MA in front of his face, swapping the MA so that it was a 5:1 with an upward pull by you (pulling force upcanyon or up-chimney) and being certain you have a progress ratchet capturing any progress, you could have also extended the pulling with some webbing to the folks above? Just a thought and maybe way off track, or maybe even tried? Anyway...glad all worked out!

[Conner810]

you don't really sound very thankful that we came to your rescue. Oh and the guy who wrote this did not do any work to get the kid out. My friend did all the work!! Don't write what didn't happen! I should know cause i was the one who got the rest of your kids out who ascended!!

[janech]

you don't really sound very thankful that we came to your rescue. Oh and the guy who wrote this did not do any work to get the kid out. My friend did all the work!! Don't write what didn't happen! I should know cause i was the one who got the rest of your kids out who ascended!!

*high five* And good job on getting those guys out!

[Deathcricket]

you don't really sound very thankful that we came to your rescue. Oh and the guy who wrote this did not do any work to get the kid out. My friend did all the work!! Don't write what didn't happen! I should know cause i was the one who got the rest of your kids out who ascended!!

I think Juan is telling the story he heard 2nd hand. He isn't the guy that was there. Which I am forced to agree with Stefan is in poor taste not having permission. I for one, would love to hear your side of it though. Set the record straight? But maybe this is one of those threads we should let die, unless the actual people involved want to talk about it. Tough call.

[jb56chevy]

I was a bit surprised to find this account posted here. I gave it to someone upon request to use a a training tool for others. I am happy to be an example (even if it is of what not to do). the description is intentionally clinical as I wanted to keep emotion out and just state the facts as I saw them so this could be a useful training tool. it is here now so hopefully people can learn from it.

First and foremost:
To the crew of S&R and Sheriffs I am truly greatful. They got our boy out, got the boys from upcanyon out, got the group behind us out. i do not know what we would've done if they had not showed up. You were awesome. Thank you.

The group behind us was wonderful as well. They helped as much as they could with out stuck boy and helped get the rest of the boys out with them.

Clearly, I made some errors in judgement and execution. I admit it, I will own those mistakes.

• on this trip we did not plan on doing any technical canyons as i have neither the gear nor the experience to do them safely and successfully. I do have enough experience to lead a group in places like Ding/Dang, Oderville, and (I thought) Zero G but I should have had another leader with experience in this area.
• I overestimated our boy's ability to to the canyon. I knew the exit would be a tough spot, but I honestly thought he cold do it. Part of my role as a scout leader is to challenge these boys, give them tough things to try. they benefit when they succeed. I wanted them to gain something from this trip.
• I was unable to think clearly enough early enough to come up wth another solution...I did not even think of trying to pull him straight out. I think I could've got in position using the webbing and pulled but I am just not sure how. I think the soap the EMT brought helped tremendously. Without it I am not sure our boy would've popped out so easily.
• I should've brought more gear. we had a few lengths of webbing for hand lines and ashort rope. We needed more when our boy got stuck.

hopefully others can learn from this experience and avoid another S&R call in this canyon.

[Scott Card]

I was a bit surprised to find this account posted here. I gave it to someone upon request to use a a training tool for others. I am happy to be an example (even if it is of what not to do). the description is intentionally clinical as I wanted to keep emotion out and just state the facts as I saw them so this could be a useful training tool. it is here now so hopefully people can learn from it.

First and foremost:
To the crew of S&R and Sheriffs I am truly greatful. They got our boy out, got the boys from upcanyon out, got the group behind us out. i do not know what we would've done if they had not showed up. You were awesome. Thank you.

The group behind us was wonderful as well. They helped as much as they could with out stuck boy and helped get the rest of the boys out with them.

Clearly, I made some errors in judgement and execution. I admit it, I will own those mistakes.

• on this trip we did not plan on doing any technical canyons as i have neither the gear nor the experience to do them safely and successfully. I do have enough experience to lead a group in places like Ding/Dang, Oderville, and (I thought) Zero G but I should have had another leader with experience in this area.
• I overestimated our boy's ability to to the canyon. I knew the exit would be a tough spot, but I honestly thought he cold do it. Part of my role as a scout leader is to challenge these boys, give them tough things to try. they benefit when they succeed. I wanted them to gain something from this trip.
• I was unable to think clearly enough early enough to come up wth another solution...I did not even think of trying to pull him straight out. I think I could've got in position using the webbing and pulled but I am just not sure how. I think the soap the EMT brought helped tremendously. Without it I am not sure our boy would've popped out so easily.
• I should've brought more gear. we had a few lengths of webbing for hand lines and ashort rope. We needed more when our boy got stuck.

hopefully others can learn from this experience and avoid another S&R call in this canyon.

Thanks for sharing. Must have been a very difficult experience for all of you involved. I am glad no one was seriously hurt.