IT WAS raining and nearing nightfall when firefighters abseiled into the Camooweal Caves to rescue a man who fell 25 metres.
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Adding to the rescuers’ sense of urgency on Friday evening was the knowledge the cave system could flash flood.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services incident coordinator Anthony Brewin said the casualty, aged in his 40s, broke his leg when he fell down the cliff face on Friday.
The man was visiting from interstate to visit his sons in the area.
QFES, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Queensland Ambulance Service, Rural Fire Service Queensland and the RACQ North Queensland rescue helicopter attended the scene after the report was made about 2pm.
Mr Brewin said the last 25 kilometre stretch to the caves could only be travelled by 4WD, which at nightfall in rainy conditions was difficult to return on.
A paramedic was harnessed and lowered down the cliff face to give the casualty first aid.
Firefighters trained in vertical rescue then abseiled down and formulated an exit plan for the man. Camooweal locals helped haul the man up the cliff face.
It took six hours to rescue the man with rescuers returning to Camooweal by 11.30pm.
Alex Dorr, the helicopter service’s chief executive officer, said the man was airlifted in a serious but stable condition to Camooweal as the crew could not fly to Mount Isa because of thunderstorms.
Mr Dorr said the man was transported by the Queensland Ambulance Service to Mount Isa Hospital.
