Citation

Stephanides SL, Vohra T. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2007; 18(1): 16-19.

Affiliation

Eisenhower Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270-3221, USA. sstephan@alum.mit.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17447708

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify injury patterns in canyoneering and develop a sense of their frequency. METHODS: A web-based survey of canyoneers was developed. Questions regarding injuries experienced or treated, first aid training, and first aid supplies carried were included. RESULTS: A total of 38 responses were received. Cutaneous injuries were very common (average 2 per person per year), but of apparently low morbidity (no evacuations required). Orthopedic injuries were also common (1 sprain/strain per person every 3 years on average, and major injuries happening to 1 in 2 canyoneers during their career), as were environmental injuries. First aid preparedness, in terms of training and kits, varied quite widely, but there was significant interest in further training. CONCLUSIONS: Minor cutaneous and orthopedic injuries are common, but fortunately do not often require outside assistance. More significant injuries are less common and usually involve orthopedic trauma or environmental exposure. A first aid curriculum for canyoneering should cover stabilization of fractures, analgesia and evacuation techniques as well as minor wound care.

Language: en