MOAB, Utah, May 10, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Search and rescue crews in Grand County recently assisted a man with an ankle injury stranded atop a hoodoo.
Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Grand County EMS responded about 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, to Pucker Pass in Long Canyon, where a man in his 60s had injured his ankle and needed assistance.
“Upon arrival, he was found stranded on a hoodoo with a sharp, catastrophic drop on all sides,” Grand County EMS stated on social media.
Search and rescue crews used ropes and a ladder to span the approximately 5-foot gap to the top of the hoodoo. An EMT then carefully crawled across the gap to the injured man, and secured him with a harness, helmet and ropes before attending to his injuries.
“The patient was able to use the ladder to cross safely back,” the post says.
The rescue took about 2 1/2 hours, officials said.
“A huge thank you to GCSAR for their leadership, technical skills, and unparalleled creativity to access the patient,” the post says.
“As we head into another beautiful weekend here in Moab, remember — just ’cause ya saw a picture of it online, doesn’t always mean it’s the best idea. … Stay safe out there and Happy Mother’s Day!”