Leader Fall on rock
This accident has been adapted from Accidents in North American Climbing 2021.[i] The accident was real. The discussion of actions is a hypothetical exercise to review wilderness medicine practices and critical thinking in emergencies.
Throughout this case study, I’ll indicate the scene and what happen in italics. Questions for the reader to consider before moving on are underlined. Everything else is discussion of wilderness medicine practices.
Gut-Z Journey offers 2 different wilderness first responder course formats. One is a traditional 7 or 8 day course. The other is a hybrid WFR course, giving you 5 days of in person learning. It can be hard to decide which is the right course for your needs. Beyond the obvious difference in class time there are a variety of reasons to choose one course over the other.
Is a Hybrid Course right for you? Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of both course formats.
Antarctica has to be one of the least accessible places in the world. Just being here and getting to stand on the continent is a pretty special feeling. Knowing that I get to see things most people will never have a chance to see. My very first season I worked at the South Pole station. As I flew from McMurdo (the main station) to the pole, I could hardly comprehend the scale of what I saw. At times glaciers span practically to the horizon on both sides. There were so many more dramatic peaks and valleys than I had imagined.
3rd Class, Summit 12,995ft, mileage varies depending on route
Onion Valley out of Independence CA
You have the option to make this a climb into a circle. I chose a counterclockwise circle heading to Dragon Peak first, traversing to Gould and then dropping down to Kearsarge pass to hike back to the trail head.
To reach Dragon Peak from the east you start out on Kearsarge pass trailhead but promptly veer right onto golden trout lakes/dragon pass trailhead. While an official trail, expect to focus on navigation at times, as you make your way to the dragon basin. Sections have been damaged by erosion and flooding. Once you gain the upper lakes you will be rewarded by great views. Dragon peak and Dragon tooth are both very striking and worthy of their names. You can read about my ascent up dragon tooth HERE.