109 Below

MIT Professor Hugh Herr was looking forward to spending time with fellow climber Jeff Batzer on a hike up Mount Washington, which seemed like a great idea at the time. But as the mountain is known for its treacherous weather conditions, Herr and Batzer were placed in a dangerous situation as they got lost trying to find their way back to safety. As the rescue service is contacted and members such as Joe Lentini and Albert Dow make their way to locate the missing hikers, disaster strikes the group and an avalanche causes the team to lose Dow….a moment that changed the types of benefits rescue workers receive and a loss that Lentini has never quite recovered from.

Martini pays homage to a skilled group of workers in 109 Below and the risks they face as they serve to help those who dare to climb a mountain known for the worst weather conditions. But it goes beyond the call of helping others. Those who work for the rescue service give more than just their time to such a risky cause…they can potentially give their life in the process. And it’s about time that their volunteering goes noticed, even in death. But even those who rise to the call are vulnerable and emotional like the rest of us. With Dow’s death, Lentini still grapples with his own feelings over not only the loss of a co-worker but a friend. The anger still lingers after forty years have passed and seeing that vulnerability is a reminder that we’re all human and can still carry uncomfortable feelings with us for a long time. Rather than hide that human aspect, Martini leans into displaying it for the viewer.

One of the most poignant moments during the rescue of Herr and Bowser is how that rescue irrevocably changed the lives of everyone involved. Aside from Dow’s death, both Herr and Batzer fought for their lives once in the hands of medical care. Due to severe frostbite, both climbers endured medical care that would change their bodies. Herr ended up having his legs amputated below the knees. Batzer lost part of his lower left leg, toes on his right foot and fingers on his right hand.

Despite the adversity, Hugh Herr proved that you can persevere. He still teaches, gives Ted talks and his work in the creation of prosthetics has continued to change the lives of others. And, yes, Herr still loves climbing…using his prosthetics as an advantage in his climbing ability rather than a hindrance. Because, after all, if you fall it’s important to always get back up.