Described by Paul as his "lucky break". Neale was only 10 minutes
from the end of his shift as a paramedic in Hobart when the call came through
that was to end in the dramatic rescue from the Totem Pole after 10 hours.
Neale flew to the 'Tote by helicopter and landed a kilometre away. After running
the remainder and finding Paul's tyrolean rope in place, he made the agonising
decision to lower Paul down to a waiting rescue boat without the 'full-on
spinal care' which would have meant waiting for a spinal board and full immobilisation.
Everyone now agrees that those precious minutes that Neale saved whilst there
on the 'Tote alone with Paul probably saved his life. Neale has been a climber
for 22 years.
The picture on right was taken at the airport in Hobart, Tasmania with Neale Smith
Paul and Cathey Casey at Mountain Works
Mountain
Works in Kendal (UK) have supplied me with gear for a few years now. They
import Marmot,
Vasque
and Simond.