Fallen Hiker – Climbing Skills

Skills – Basic climbing skills

Maintain 3 points of contact. Two feet, one hand – or – two hands, one foot
Keep the center of gravity over your feet to prevent slipping
Use edge of boot to dig in to create a small platform for support
Use flat foot to maximize friction for a good grip

Finger to Finger Grip
Gripping the other’s fingers or Finger to Finger Grip depends on both grips not to fail.
If one fails, the hand can slip through the other hand, especially if one hand is sweaty or tired. There is no jamming effect.DO NOT USE this technique.

Bucket Hand
When you reach down to help, form a Bucket Hand by keeping your fingers together, curl the four fingers to form a “J” with the thumb pressed against the side of the palm.
The other person reaches up and forms a bucket hand in reverse and “hooks” his hand into yours.
The advantage is the hands are less likely to slip or open under pressure. Both persons must know the skill.

Acrobatic Wrist Grip
This acrobatic grip combines the strength of both persons.
Each person holds onto the wrist of the other person, essentially jamming the circled hand against the fist of the other. It is more reliable because if one fails, the other still
holds.
Say “grab my wrist” and cock your hand out to expose your wrist to the other person

At some point, you may have to decide whether to go to the fallen hiker to provide aid.
Should you go?
Factors to consider.
What is the risk / gain ratio?

Do you or someone else have the experience / skills to provide aid?
Do you or someone else have the experience / skills to climb safely?
Do you have an available belayer for fall protection?
Do you have the necessary tools/supplies (ropes, etc.)?
Do you have the knowledge to use the ropes safely?