CNN.com - Climber recounts decision to amputate arm - May. 8, 2003
I suppose it's a measure of my weirdness that as I read about this guy amputating his own arm with a blunt knife, what keeps coming to mind was, well, at least I always carry at least one, and usually two, sharp knives, when I go climbing solo.
I simply can't imagine the kind of fortitude necessary to perform an operation like this on oneself. But I guess, after 3 days, that one can do extreme things.
Posted by rbowen at May 9, 2003 10:07 AM | TrackBackthere are a couple of things that amaze me about this story.
first off, he didnt just CUT his arm off. he realized that his knife wouldnt be able to sever the bone so he broke his own arm. he smashed his arm until the bone was broken clean through so he could get out. YOW.
second, he then rapelled down a cliff.
third, that he walked miles to a hospital.
this guy should have his picture in the dictionary as part of the definition of "badass".
tho my coworkers have two excellent points. why not take a cell-phone? and why not take a friend? isnt this was all the literature warns people about?
Posted by: sungo on May 9, 2003 10:16 AMWell, yes, I always carry a cell phone too. However, the last few times I have gone on serious hiking trips, I have been outside of signal for *most* of the trip. That's often the case when you are in the mountains.