A climber who plunged 30 feet down a Colorado mountainside was rescued after firefighters spent hours carrying out a complex high-angle rescue, officials said.
Crews responded around 2:17 p.m. Monday to North Cheyenne Cañon, where the injured climber was located more than 400 feet above the road in rugged terrain, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said.
Firefighters hiked up the steep terrain to reach him and immediately began treating his critical injuries.
Rescuers then built a high-angle rope system to lower the climber safely down the mountainside. Specialized rescue teams worked for nearly three hours to maneuver the injured man down the mountainside using a rescue basket.
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A drone team provided aerial guidance to help crews find the safest route, while whole blood was staged at the base of the mountain in case it was needed.
The climber was ultimately airlifted to a local hospital. No updates on the climber’s injuries or his identity were immediately provided.
Firefighters, however, did provide some details about what led to the fall.
"We've learned the climber lost his grip while securing himself; the gear failed, and he was not wearing a helmet," the fire department said.
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Officials credited the climber’s partner with "saving crucial time" by calling 911 and helping guide rescuers directly to the injured climber’s location.
Authorities urged climbers to wear proper safety equipment, carry a charged phone and "never hike or climb alone."
