Colorado woman falls 40 feet while rock climbing, credits blood transfusion in survival

A Colorado climber who survived a perilous fall near Wolcott in the winter of 2025 is now sharing her incredible story publicly. Josie Mudjitaba, an experienced climber, discussed the massive rescue effort that followed her fall and credited the new emergency whole blood program in Eagle County for saving her life and helping her quality of life post-accident.

The fall occurred after Mudjitaba climbed above a bolt on the route, causing her to plummet about 40 feet to the ground. She sustained severe injuries including fractures in multiple bones, a fractured pelvis, a rib, and a traumatic brain injury.

Rescuers worked tirelessly to reach Mudjitaba, who was drifting in and out of consciousness, in a remote climbing area. Nearly 30 rescuers, including Eagle County Paramedics Services, Vail Mountain Rescue Group, and local firefighters, responded to the incident.

Paramedic Chris Rauzi highlighted the challenges of the remote location and the importance of having whole blood units available for advanced trauma care before patients reach a hospital. This new program has been pivotal in providing critical care to individuals in need, especially in areas with limited medical resources.

Mudjitaba emphasized the impact of receiving whole blood in the field, stating that it likely changed the course of her survival and recovery. With limited medical expertise in local hospitals, the availability of whole blood has been instrumental in bridging the gap for patients like her.

The article also mentions upcoming blood drives to support local hospitals and emergency crews, emphasizing the importance of blood donations for saving lives. Mudjitaba, who was already a regular blood donor, expressed her gratitude for the program and highlighted the significance of donation in emergency situations.

Overall, this story sheds light on the crucial role of advanced trauma care and the impact it can have on individuals facing life-threatening situations. It also underscores the importance of blood donation in supporting emergency medical services and saving lives.