The 21-year-old climber whose name was not released had severe head injuries and was in critical condition, said San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque. The fire department got the call about the accident at 12:20 p.m.
The climber had fallen about 20 feet onto a 3-by-5-foot ledge. The next ledge was 50 feet below. The helicopter crew lowered a paramedic to the ledge, where he cared for the climber and strapped him into a back brace, Luque said.
The climber, who was going in and out of consciousness, was hoisted up to the helicopter and then taken to the hospital. He also had a wrist injury, Luque said. The climber had not been wearing a helmet, Luque said.
Firefighters responded to the emergency call about 4:30 p.m. and contained the fire within a few minutes, an emergency dispatcher said.
The extent of damage was not available, but the Red Cross was called to the scene to provide emergency housing, the official said.
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