PORTLAND, Ore. -- An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter airlifted an injured climber off Mount Hood on Sunday.

Chris Biddle, age 39, of Puyallup, Wash., tumbled 300 feet down snow and ice, suffering injuries to his arm, leg and head, sheriff's deputies said.

The fall occurred in an area known as Crater Rock at the 10,500 feet elevation, where rescuers said the terrain is steep and tough.

Jeff Menor, a volunteer firefighter who was also climbing Sunday, had just met Biddle at the summit and the pair decided to climb down together. Menor said the man lost his footing.

"He was kind of walking sideways across the slope and his clamp-ons didn't quite do their job," Menor said. "His feet kind of came out from under him and he slid right down the hill."

Menor said he ran to help Biddle and stayed with him until another person arrived. He then called for help.

With daylight fading, rescuers reached the scene and made the call to hoist Biddle to safety to the helicopter. He was taken to Oregon Health & Science University.

Biddle is listed in fair condition at the hospital.

Helicopter Lifts Injured Climber Off Mount Hood