Date of Event: 5/9/2015
Canyon involved: Peppermint Creek
Region: California
Country: United States
Submitted by: Dan Halim
Source: www.ropewiki.com
Injury: Multiple fractures, dislocation, laceration, hypothermia
Cause: Anchor failure
Description of Event: On May 9th, my life changed forever during a canyoneering trip in the Sequoias. On the fifth and final waterfall, our anchor failed while I was rappelling down an overhang, causing me to free fall approx. 40 feet+ to the rocks below. My canyon partner, friend and hero, Kyle, made heroic efforts to downclimb the waterfall, pull me from the frigid water below, cover me with his own wetsuit, then upclimb out the canyon walls, and run back out the canyon to get help. While an air rescue was dispatched, the SAR helicopter did not reach me for several hours. I was airlifted to the Kern Medical Center (KMC) in critical condition – I shattered both heels, both ankles, an open compound fracture of my right leg (tib & fib), broken pelvis, broken hand, dislocated thumb, and several lacerations to my arms and legs. My core temperature had dropped to 90 degrees, I was in hypothermia and going into renal failure.
Fortunately, due to the amazing work of the surgeons and doctors, I survived, but was in the hospital for 5 weeks and underwent 14 surgeries. Unfortunately, due to the severity of trauma and other complications, reconstructive surgery of my right foot was not possible. Ultimately, I was discharged with a crooked foot, a shattered heel, and a giant open wound on the inside of my ankle (bones and tendons exposed).
Throughout my entire recovery, I have consulted with countless specialists and experts, finding my way to Cedars-Sinai where I am working with one of the best foot & ankle experts in the country, who actually took my case before a panel of international experts due to the “difficulty” of my injuries.
The consensus view is that the only viable option to “repair” my foot is a full ankle fusion – a “TTC” fusion (tibiotalarcalcaneal). The procedure would completely fuse my entire foot and ankle using bone grafts and large steel rods, completely eliminating any mobility whatsoever in my foot. Essentially, the outcome would force me to walk with a limp and would eliminate my ability to run (or engage in any activity requiring ankle flexion).
After extensive research, investigation, medical articles and studies, countless discussions with medical experts and those with personal experience, earnest contemplation, prayers, and serious thought… I have decided that an ankle fusion is an unacceptable outcome for me and the life I want to live. So I have chosen to proceed with a different option…
I have chosen to amputate my foot and continue life with a prosthetic.
Ironically, the quality of life (mobility and versatility) with a prosthesis is vastly superior to the alternative, and should enable me to essentially return to my pre-accident status and capabilities. In some ways, it may even be superior.
However, the accident itself rendered me completely unable to work for several months, in addition to incurring several thousand dollars of medical bills, which is compounded by my new need to acquire specialty prostheses in order to return to the activities that characterize my love of life. Additionally, while insurance will [partially] cover a general “walking” prosthesis, I will need to amass a small quiver of specialty legs for my varied interests and lifestyle – most importantly, a specialized flex skiing leg (particularly important for backcountry and park riding), a “Cheetah” running leg, a waterproof surfing leg, and perhaps a custom-designed hiking/canyoneering leg.
Analysis: Natural anchors must be thoroughly checked each time they are used. Small trees in the water course may change stability. Questionable anchors should be backed up until all but the last person has rappelled.
Two person teams should have a personal locator beacor PLB or similar device to call for rescue.