Saturday, January 17, 2009 – Portland Mountain Rescue was called on to rescue one of it’s own from near the summit of Mount Hood. PMR member Michael Leming was climbing with friends in the Pearly Gates when a larger chunk of ice he was climbing on collapsed causing Leming to tumble approximately 200 feet down the mountain. The fall caused severe injuries to both ankles prompting one of his climbing partners to call 911 on a cell phone.

Fortunately, a team of PMR rescuers was already nearby on a training exorcise and were able to respond very quickly. Also on the mountain that day were two members of the Corvallis Mountain Rescue, who assisted the PMR team in stabilizing Leming and lowering him to a safer location where he was loaded into a National Guard Helicopter and flown to OHSU.

PMR rescuers attend to the fallen climber below the Pearly Gates. Photo © Josh Johnston – Portland Mountain Rescue

Another member of Leming’s climbing party was also injured in the accident but was able to descend under his own power.

PMR often operates these ‘Ready Teams’ on Mount Hood during popular climbing weekends in order to be ready to respond quickly in case of an accident. In this case, the preparation paid off for all parties and the result was a quick and efficient rescue.

National Guard crewmen carry a litter across Devil’s Kitchen. Photo © Josh Johnston – Portland Mountain Rescue