WaGuns.org

Welcome to WaGuns, Andysfriend.

Thanks for posting!

Glad he's doing ok - mission roster says we had 53 volunteer SAR responders. We also had a mission for an injured climber at Ollalie slightly before, but it was wrapped up quickly so the people inbound to that were redirected to Little Si. Probably another factor aiding the quick response.

ANZAC wrote:mission roster says we had 53 volunteer SAR responders.

That's amazing. And that's just SAR and doesn't include Bellevue Fire or King County Sheriff, right? Or KIRO?

MadPick wrote:

ANZAC wrote:mission roster says we had 53 volunteer SAR responders.

That's amazing. And that's just SAR and doesn't include Bellevue Fire or King County Sheriff, right? Or KIRO?

I believe it was Eastside Fire and Rescue (I'd need to check). I would assume one from the sheriff's office (Dep Sweeney). SAR volunteers in WA state are dispatched and supervised by the sheriff's office in each county - unless the mission is large and complex or spans several operational periods they usually have one deputy as incident commander.

for Steve:
I am uncle of climber who fell.
First, thank all of you who helped at scene. Great Northwest Territory. Awesome residents.
Andy's condition upon arrival at Trauma Center:
broken neck
broken back
broken leg
broken ribs
punctured lung
Internal bleeding
That was Sunday.
Tuesday was emergency surgery to remove spleen. Once bleeding was stopped, repairs to bones.
pin inserted through pelvis
C2 vertebrae repaired
Yesterday he sat up in bed!
Soon, they will get him up on

good leg.
He should be walking in 6 weeks!
Steve, thanks again. You are so right, tough guy.
Lucky dude.

tvlee, thank you for joining us and for providing that update.

Sitting up ... soon to stand ... this amazes me. I'm sure he has some good PTs helping him out, and no doubt he has the toughest workout of his life ahead of him.

Thank you again for the update!

Did they figure out what happened to the belay?

Steve-
It was a climbing accident. All thoughts are positive toward Andy and his recovery.
You people are terrific! The support and commitment to Andy has been so awesome. My brother (the ol' Vietnam Marine) cannot say enough kind words of appreciation for everyone on the mountain and at the Trauma Center. Wishes he could thank each of you personally.
Even the doc on scene has contacted them to stay updated. Yunz guys are amazing. (Pittsburgh talk)
One of the bright spots in all this was a comment by the surgeon after the spleen removal. He proudly stated, "We tried to line up his tattoos real close. And think we did a good job!"
Another is Andy will need a lot of rehab, so I hope to come out for a turn of home care. And, I will get to visit your special community. Yahoo!
Please, thank your hiking partners for our family. Thanks to all of the men and women assisting in the evac. Each of you will be encouragement during Andy's recovery.
Take care.

p.s. Most of hospital staff are outdoor adventurers. Andy's primary doctor is a climber.
All this adds enchantment to your neighborhood.
And, a cousin of Andy's is a 1st responder in Ohio, another is currently in ROTC basic training, and my son is active Air Force.

Wow bro how did you find us? Welcome

tvlee wrote:Steve-
It was a climbing accident. All thoughts are positive toward Andy and his recovery.
You people are terrific! The support and commitment to Andy has been so awesome. My brother (the ol' Vietnam Marine) cannot say enough kind words of appreciation for everyone on the mountain and at the Trauma Center. Wishes he could thank each of you personally.

If he wants to send a thank you note to the search and rescue volunteers, you can email info@kcsara.org and it will be passed on to the responders.
There's also a PO box for snail mail:
http://kcsara.org/#footer

One of the bright spots in all this was a comment by the surgeon after the spleen removal. He proudly stated, "We tried to line up his tattoos real close. And think we did a good job!"

Classic!

Excellent. Shared. Done. Thanks.

tvlee wrote:He proudly stated, "We tried to line up his tattoos real close. And think we did a good job!"

Yeah, Andy has a pretty good protective layer of ink . . . that may have been what saved him.

Mash Man- unfortunately, you found Andy. At the bottom of a 100' fall. Thanks to Steve's post on this Discussion Board.

Steve- no doubt the body ink helped, but Mother Nature and YOU guys saved Andy's life.
Doctors said hitting the 1st ledge @ 50' probably saved his life, but definitely all the trained, professional assistance on-scene was the major factor.
See why we can't thank each of you enough?
Tough guy. Lucky dude!
Thanks to you!

p.s. the on-scene doc is a pediatrician @ Univ of WA.

Mashie, one of the recent updates on the fundraising page included a link to this thread.
http://www.gofundme.com/AndyKneps

There's an update there from this morning, if you're interested.