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Hiker Survives 30-Foot Fall at Brecon Beacons, Avoids Paralysis After Multiple Surgeries

Spinal repairs preserved her mobility after a complex rescue.

Overview

  • Suzanne Dyer, 50, fell about 30ft at the Four Waterfalls route in Bannau Brycheiniog while walking with a friend earlier this month.
  • Members of the public, including an ex-Royal Marine, assisted before a coordinated response by coastguard, air ambulance, fire, ambulance, mountain rescue and police.
  • She suffered severe injuries to her arms, ribs, pelvis and legs, plus a perforated lung, and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
  • Surgeons performed reconstructive arm surgery on Jan. 2, followed by pelvic and spinal operations on Jan. 4, with pelvis and L3 fixation and chest-drain removal on Jan. 5.
  • Family say she is in good spirits and faces a long recovery, crediting hypothermia on arrival and a ledge that broke her fall with improving her chances.