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Post by jonsdigs on Aug 15, 2007 19:04:54 GMT -5
Man Rescued from Cave - See the VideoKaren Zatkulak WTVC Chattenooga, TN August 15, 2007 - 4:26PM A man is in critical condition after falling thirty five feet, landing in the bottom of a cave. The accident happened Saturday morning, in Marion County, Tennessee just north of Jasper. Go HERE to see the video. Chad Dubuisson and Rick Gattone have both been caving for many years. But this weekend when they headed out to drop forty five feet down into a cave, they had no idea their ropes would fail... sending Gattone plummeting to the bottom, and Dubuisson running for help. Dubuisson says, "The plan was to go in through the top and come out through the bottom, there's four repels along the way." But on the first repel his plan went terribly wrong when his caving partner Rick Gattone fell thirty five feet in a quarry in Marion County. Dubuisson says he felt, "Sheer panic. I was right near the lip of the pit when it happened, as quickly as it happened, it was over with." Dubuisson works at On Rope One and both he and Gattone have been caving for years. But when the knot just failed, Gattone fell. Sending Dubuisson a half mile down the mountain to call for help. Full Story
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 15, 2007 21:07:59 GMT -5
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Aug 15, 2007 21:43:58 GMT -5
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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Aug 16, 2007 8:20:09 GMT -5
Nice job on the rescue guys, you saved his life! Thanks for the link to the photos Brad. Mike might want to send some of the photos to Ray Keeler aca@caves.org for use in an issue of American Caving Accidents.
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Post by tncaveres on Aug 16, 2007 8:31:43 GMT -5
I heard about this rescue the other day. Was wondering what ever came of it. Hope he heals up quick.
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Post by tncaveres on Aug 16, 2007 8:47:45 GMT -5
Enjoyed the photo's. Seen several people I went through NCRC with. Even a few of the instructors.
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 16, 2007 17:28:37 GMT -5
I spent some time with Rick today. He is doing much better since the surgery to repair his broken pelvis. He realizes he has a long road to recovery, but he is motivated and looking forward to getting on his feet again.
Everyone who responded on Saturday were lights out. The team responded quickly, and everyone worked hard to get Rick out. Despite the sweltering heat, the rescue went off without a hitch. We were certainly blessed with a lot of favorable conditions. Little water going into the pit, the old pipe forest had been removed a month prior, and the majority of the team had been to the cave at least once this year. All those factored into a successful day. I will keep everyone updated as Rick progresses.
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Aug 16, 2007 20:50:59 GMT -5
Thanks for the update Brad. Wish Rick well for all of us here next time you visit!
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L Roebuck
Technical Support
Caving
^V^ Just a caver
Posts: 2,023
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Post by L Roebuck on Aug 18, 2007 18:58:22 GMT -5
Hey Brad how's Rick doing today?
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 20, 2007 16:59:51 GMT -5
I will visit him on Tuesday before the team meets. I will post an update tomorrow.
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 21, 2007 22:15:01 GMT -5
Some of the team visited Rick in rehab today before our monthly meeting. Rick has been moved to Siskin where he is getting daily rehab. He is progressing quite well and the doctors projected if he suffers no setbacks he could go home in about 2 weeks. The doctors think he won't have the surgery on his vertebrae for many months. Rick is in good spirits and looking forward to the comforts of home.
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L Roebuck
Technical Support
Caving
^V^ Just a caver
Posts: 2,023
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Post by L Roebuck on Aug 21, 2007 22:25:30 GMT -5
I like the good news! We have our fingers crossed and saying prayers for Rick's speedy recovery! Some cavers might like to send a Get Well card. I know I do. Would you PM the hospital address please?
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 21, 2007 22:38:45 GMT -5
I will get the info tomorrow. He was just moved to Siskin yesterday.
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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Aug 22, 2007 7:16:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the update on Rick's condition, Brad. Hope he continues to make rapid progress toward a complete recovery.
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Post by tncaveres on Aug 22, 2007 9:29:44 GMT -5
Good to hear he is doing better.
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Aug 22, 2007 16:17:21 GMT -5
Great news for Rick and the rest of us. Rick we're all pulling for you!
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L Roebuck
Technical Support
Caving
^V^ Just a caver
Posts: 2,023
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Post by L Roebuck on Aug 23, 2007 11:50:08 GMT -5
I will get the info tomorrow. He was just moved to Siskin yesterday. Thanks Brad!
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 23, 2007 18:32:27 GMT -5
I believe the word is that Rick could go home tomorrow. If so I will get his home mailing address instead. This is incredible news!
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L Roebuck
Technical Support
Caving
^V^ Just a caver
Posts: 2,023
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Post by L Roebuck on Aug 23, 2007 20:55:00 GMT -5
Wow! Going home maybe tomorrow? The boy is Blessed! All those prayers must be working! ;D
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Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
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Post by Brian Roebuck on Aug 23, 2007 21:16:51 GMT -5
Awesome! I hope he heals super fast and can get back on his feet really soon.
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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Aug 24, 2007 8:27:40 GMT -5
My gosh, that's amazing. To have sustained such severe injuries he has made an incredible recovery. Go Rick!
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Post by Brad Tipton on Aug 24, 2007 14:25:56 GMT -5
I talked with Rick today and he confirmed that he will be going home on Sunday. He will continue rehab from home. He sounds very excited about the move. Lynn I am sending you his home address since he is headed there in 2 days.
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