Parachute Cave, TN - Accident and Rescue, July 21, 2008

[Bill Putnam]

On Monday evening, July 21, three men went to Parachute Cave near Bellvue, TN. Just after 10:00 p.m., one of the men fell about 15-20 feet and struck his head. Reports suggest that the man was climbing down the entrance drop when he fell, and that the men did not have adequate equipment. The injured man was rescued by the fire department's high angle rescue team and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Sources:
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?s=8713197
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=8716399 (includes video)
http://www.wsmv.com/news/16952984/detail.html
http://www.wztv.com/newsroom/top_stories/vid_3890.shtml
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll ... 0880722056
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Caver Falls 20 Feet, Lands On His Head
WTLV NewsChannel5.com
Posted: July 22, 2008 06:59 AM CDT

UNDATED, Tenn. - What started out as some late night fun nearly ended in tragedy for three amateur cavers.
Investigators said just after 10 p.m. Monday three men were in Parachute Cave just off Highway 70, when one of them fell nearly 20 feet landing on his head.
The fire department's high-rise rescue team responded and put their training to the test to squeeze in and pull the injured climber to safety.
Crews used a back-brace and basket to lift the injured caver out and bring him back down the hill to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to Vanderbilt in critical condition.
Officials said it doesn't appear the men were using the proper equipment.

[Don Hunter]

What's most amazing about this rescue account is that not one time was the term "spelunker" used. And these guys really WERE spelunkers.

[melvoid]

Interesting. I noticed they used the term "Caver." Even when I say Caver to people, they usually come right back with "Spelunker." Then I feel the need to define it for them. Ongoing education.