I am glad to hear that your buddy is not hurt as bad as he could have been.
I use to be the person that always thought that nothing like this would or could happen with me. That was until I took a 32ft fall at the start of last season. Some how, I was able to walk away with nothing more than some stitches and bruising. I never wore a safety harness before that day. Today, I will not get in a tree without one, nor will I allow anyone to hunt my leases without one. To this day, I still get shakey knees when I first step onto the platform of a stand and it takes about an hour in the stand before I start feeling comfortable.
While Brett has given some very good words of wisdom, I am sure this will not be the last thread this year about someone taking a fall.
Think about it guys, we are not only talking about how an accident like this can affect your life, but the life of your wife and children. Strap in!!!