Saved me and my buddies life

By david rogers Ranked #24 - Big Wall Climbing February 23, 2009

I was ice climbing in Kandersteg, Switzerland last weekend. While belaying my second up the pitch in the Reverso mode, a huge block of ice fell from above and landed on my left shoulder, breaking my scapula, clavicle, some ribs and collapsed my left lung. I was belaying him off the V-thread i was anchored to so i was able to continue to easily belay him safely with my still functioning right arm despite my injuries. After reaching me at the top of the pitch I was able to be lowered and then taken to medical facilities at Interlaken. Had I used another device or not belayed off the anchor, I would not have been able to continue belaying my second safely, and he may not have reached me and lower me. Bottom line: The reverso 3 is a safe and easy device to use even in emergency situations resulting in a quicker rescue time.

View Details: Petzl Reverso 3 Belay and Rappel Device

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No