Understanding Preventable Hiking Injuries
Many hiking injuries are preventable, yet each year in North America, approximately 500 hikers lose their lives, and over 10,000 others require some form of rescue. These statistics have long been a source of frustration for Dr. Robert Scanlon, a physician with over two decades of experience in critical care and an avid hiker and backpacker.
Scanlon took up hiking later in life as a way to manage the stress of his profession. However, he quickly became aware of the number of people who were injured, killed, or required search-and-rescue efforts. This realization led him to examine the recurring issues that contribute to these incidents. He found that most of these situations could be traced back to five key preparation skills: hydration, weather awareness, navigation, crossing waterways, and height and fall risk management.
The Importance of Preparation
Scanlon’s research led him to a quote by Desmond Tutu that resonated deeply with him: “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” This insight inspired him to explore the root causes of hiking-related accidents and develop strategies to prevent them.
His findings culminated in a new book titled Surviving the Trail, which offers practical advice on how to prepare for hikes effectively. Scanlon emphasizes that while trails welcome all, many hikers arrive with more enthusiasm than knowledge. His goal is to provide a foundation of knowledge and pre-hike strategies that can significantly reduce the likelihood of dangerous situations.
Hydration Strategy
One of the most crucial aspects of trail preparation is hydration. Simply bringing water is not enough, according to Scanlon. The amount needed varies based on factors such as pace, terrain, humidity, and temperature. For instance, a hike in a desert environment like southern Utah may require significantly more water than a walk through the Adirondacks.
Hikers should calculate their water needs based on these variables and decide whether they will carry it themselves or collect it from natural sources. If collecting water, it’s essential to have the necessary tools, such as filters and purification tablets, to ensure it’s safe to drink.
Scanlon notes that even a basic hydration strategy is better than none, as dehydration can lead to serious health complications.
Preparing for the Elements
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in mountainous regions. Hikers often underestimate how quickly the weather can shift, leading to unexpected challenges. For example, a hike in Colorado might start off sunny but quickly turn into a stormy situation due to the unpredictable nature of mountain weather.
To stay safe, hikers should familiarize themselves with the expected weather conditions for their destination. Dressing appropriately for both hot and cold temperatures, carrying multiple layers, and planning the timing of the hike to avoid extreme heat are all essential steps. Staying hydrated and taking regular breaks to assess one’s condition can also help prevent heat exhaustion or hypothermia.
Learning to Navigate
Navigation is another critical skill for hikers. Many people get lost due to wandering off the trail, poor weather conditions, or losing their group. Solo hikers, particularly men, are at a higher risk of getting lost, with 79% of those who become lost hiking alone.
Scanlon suggests that hikers learn to follow trails, recognize site-specific markers like cairns or tree swaths, and know how to read a map. Investing in a GPS device or learning to use a compass can also be invaluable. Additionally, hikers should carry a headlamp in case they need to navigate at night.
Minimizing the Risk of Falling
While hydration, weather, and navigation are the most common issues, hikers must also be prepared for potential hazards like water crossings and heights. Even a short fall from a height can result in serious injury. Scanlon recommends that hikers study maps and satellite images of their intended route to understand elevation gains, difficulty levels, and potential risks.
The Ultimate Goal
Scanlon believes that by focusing on these five key areas—hydration, weather, navigation, water crossings, and height awareness—hikers can significantly improve their safety. In today’s social media-driven world, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of reaching a scenic vista for a perfect photo. However, Scanlon reminds readers that the ultimate goal of any hike is to return home safely.