Accident and fatality characteristics in a population of mountain climbers in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To examine demographic, morbidity, and mortality findings in a population of mountain climbers in New Zealand.


METHODS
A baseline survey and a 4-year follow-up took place among a population of mountain climbers. The purpose of this survey was to determine the frequency and characteristics of mountain-climbing accidents and to estimate the climbing-related death rate.


RESULTS
Forty-nine climbers enrolled in the study. Baseline findings revealed that 44 (90%) climbers had been involved in the sport for more than 5 years and 23 (47%) climbers had been involved in a total of 33 accidents. At 4-year follow-up, results were available on 46 (94%) climbers. There were nine further accidents and four deaths from climbing misadventure.


CONCLUSIONS
Mountain climbing is associated with a high risk of serious injury and mortality.
Monasterio
M Erik
ME
Medlicott Academic Unit, Hillmorton Hospital, Christchurch. erik.monasterio@cdhb.govt.nz
D000059:Accidents / Q000401:mortality*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000293:injuries*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality