Geography professor John All was climbing in the Himalayas when he plunged into a crevasse, falling 25 metres into the ravine.
He dislocated a shoulder and broke five of his ribs, his elbow and a knee. Alone in the ravine after the rest of his team turned back earlier that day, John panicked that no one would be able to find him before he succumbed to his surroundings.
Posting a message to Facebook, John wrote: 'Please call Global Rescue. John broken arm, ribs, internal bleeding. Himlung camp 2. Please hurry.'
The post to the American Climber Science Program page was quickly picked up by followers - with one user, Devendra Babu writing: 'anyone seeing this!' followed by 'phew! Is everything ok there busy! When is the rescue chopper coming?'
Another user then confirms 'Global rescue have been called.'
But in a shocking twist, Global Rescue were not able to find a rescue helicopter quickly enough, and so told the climber her would have to survive the night in the abyss.
He posted: 'So cold. Pain meds running low. Longest night ever.'
After 19 hours lying injured on a ledge in the crevasse, the professor was finally rescued and taken to a hospital in Kathmandu.
Speaking of his ordeal, John said: 'I was near death and didn't have much took for reaction beyond a deep relief.'
'I didn't work so damn hard to get out of the crevasse just to die near my tent.'
Writing on the Facebook wall this week, John wrote a heartfelt thanks to everyone who messaged him whilst he was waiting to be rescued.
'Thanks everyone for the love and support. When I was shivering and bleeding and waiting for the chopper, the things I heard from the sat link kept me going.
'I checked myself out of the ICU today after a miraculous night of healing - not really an hospital type of guy. Injuries across my body but no single one will kill me. The worst was having a dislocated shoulder for 32 hours before they could re-set it - worst pain I have ever felt.
'Broken bones were only a humerous and five ribs. The internal bleeding has stopped and they said the accumulated blood will go away. Smashed knee, scarred left eye that won't open all of the way, and that's about it. I landed on my right arm and side so both of my feet and legs were miraculously unhurt.
'I am ready for a safe trip to Peru, but first I will work on interviews with Janardan Mainali on climate change impacts in local mountain communities. It will be a great distraction during the healing process.
'Thank you again for all of your wonderful, crucial support. I wouldn't have survived without it. John.'