Climber Rescued From Mount Hood by Clackamas County SAR (PHOTOS)

A successful rescue demonstrates skills of area emergency response teams.

Photo: Clackamas Sheriff

(MOUNT HOOD, Ore.) - A 34-year old female climber was injured while ascending Mount Hood, near Crater Rock early Saturday morning.

Clackamas County 9-1-1 received an emergency cell phone call at 5:20 a.m. from a member of the 10-person climbing party on Mount Hood.

It was reported that falling ice and debris had struck Jessica M. Deans, a member of their climbing party, causing injuries to both her legs; however, the injured party was conscious and breathing. The caller stated the injury occurred an estimated 500' southwest of Crater Rock. It was determined the attending members of the party were going to move Deans patient to the Palmer Glacier to expedite the rescue process.

They believed she did not break any bones; although, she may have dislocated a knee. Some initial bleeding on the patient's leg created by falling ice and crampons had been stopped and manageable by attending members of the climbing party. Officials say those climbing in this party were well equipped with communication devices and mountain locator units. The 911 call activated Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue (SAR) mission, summoning rescue personnel from American Medical Response – Reach & Treat Team; Portland Mountain Rescue; Mount Hood Ski Patrol and Mountain Wave Communications.

Each of these teams participated in this rescue effort, which resulted in a successful mission. At 9:53 a.m. Jessica M. Deans, age 34, of Portland, Oregon was successfully rescued off the mountain – with non-life threatening injuries and transported to a local hospital for medical attention.