Woman Suffers Injuries in Rock Climbing Fall in Bear Canyon

On Tuesday night, the Gallatin County Sheriff's Search and Rescue responded to Bear Canyon after a woman fell while rock climbing and suffered traumatic injuries to her head, arm, and leg.

Search and Rescue were dispatched at 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arriving on the scene, Search and Rescue volunteers had to use technical rescue skills to perform a low-angle rescue. This type of rescue involved having dozens of rescuers on hand to help set up anchor points, create a pully system, and use a specialized belay and patient litter packaging techniques. They were then able to carefully move the woman back to the trail.

She was transported to American Medical Response and taken to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, according to a release from the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.

Rock climbing continues to grow in popularity and over 25 million people climb on a regular basis worldwide. In the United States, an average of 30 climbing-related deaths occur each year. Below are some tips for safe rock climbing, according to an avid rock climber.

• Wear a helmet - It may not always look the coolest but rocks are a lot harder than your skull, especially if you experience a fall.
• Check your knots - Always double check your knots and harness and have a friend check your work as well.
• Use reputable sources - Keep up to date with your knowledge. Standards and safety protocols can change.
• Practice safe rappelling - Most accidents occur when a climber is rappelling. When you are repelling this is the time for extra caution and to take the time to test your anchors and knots.
• Use a stopper knot - At the end of your rope tie a "stopper knot" so as you're lowering the belayer doesn't accidentally drop.