TRIP INCIDENTS
1. Earnslaw Burn, 31 March 2024
Around 2 pm, a tramper in the party slipped on a log and suffered an injured ankle in the presence of three others. The trip leader, who was acting as back marker arrived after two minutes, while five other participants had gone ahead with no knowledge of the incident. The injured tramper was unable to apply pressure to the injury. Pain relief, water and sweets were administered, and the leader instructed two participants to head on (with a PLB between them) to inform the front runners. Following discussion between the remaining three participants, the leader’s PLB was activated, and the other uninjured tramper returned to the car (about 2.5 hours) to be able to meet the injured tramper at hospital. A helicopter arrived around 3.40 pm, the injured tramper was evacuated to Queenstown Hospital and the leader continued to the intended campsite (3 hours). The injured tramper has subsequently reported a broken leg a centimetre or so above the right ankle.
Although somewhat more serious than other recent events, it’s inevitable that these sorts of injuries will occur from time to time. Sensible and effective actions seem to have been taken, in accordance with the club’s procedures. Two trampers end up walking solo for a couple of hours or more, one of them without a PLB; but tramping traffic was substantial, and the risk was judged to be minimal given the needs of the situation. The leader’s PLB contact was informed by LANDSAR and spent an anxious few hours before LANDSAR clarified the situation. In similar circumstances, trip leaders should instruct evacuees to contact (or arrange contact of) the Club Captain so that the injured tramper’s and the PLB activator’s emergency contacts can be apprised of the situation.
2. Richmond Traverse, 28 March – 4 April 2024
On the second day, a participant in a north-bound party of ten suffered a seemingly minor knee-twist injury prior to Hunters Hut (possibly due to carrying a heavy pack (> 21 kg) on rough terrain) arriving at the hut 20 minutes behind the next slowest member of the team. After overnight recuperation, the tramper was deemed sufficiently recovered to continue to Mid Wairoa Hut the next day; but a steep, slippery and rocky section prior to lunch at Top Wairoa Hut exacerbated the injury. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs (supplied by various party members) were administered, and the trip leader and another participant took part of the injured trampers pack load. The leader and injured tramper left Top Wairoa Hut 15 minutes later that the others and arrived at Mid Wairoa Hut, after most demanding section, thirty minutes after the others. The trip leader’s pre-planned bailout option down the Wairoa River was considered, but overnight recovery saw the injured participant complete the trip with a lighter pack and pain relief from drugs, leaving typically 15-20 minutes before the others and arriving 20-30 minutes later on each day. The whole team had considered other options if the injury became worse:
- spreading the rest of the injured tramper’s gear amongst other team members;
- splitting into two carloads, with a slower group taking a couple of half-days to allow the injured tramper more time to recuperate;
- calling for helicopter medical evacuation by activating a beacon.
Another reasonably typical incident for longer tips on difficult terrain. The response by the team leader and other members seems to have been sensible and pragmatic, leading to a good result with the bonus that the trip was completed in its entirety within the scheduled time (albeit with slower progress during each day). They are to be commended for pulling together, having pre-planned options and carrying (as required) adequate first-aid supplies and emergency beacons (though the latter were not used). People with outdoor experience overseas can still get caught out in more-testing New Zealand conditions. It is important to carry all appropriate gear and equipment, but heavy packs can be burdensome and lead to injuries -- sharing between participants can be a good way to lessen pack loads.
3. Mt Cloudsley, 11 February 2024
While descending scree, the party divided into two groups of four each following different sides of a deep, long, narrow ravine above Long Stream. A member of one party slipped while running over a part devoid of scree and slid towards the edge of the ravine. The subsequent graze was examined by a doctor who was amongst the party and who advised cleaning the wound but leaving it uncovered. The minor injury would have been avoided by wearing gaiters. A bigger risk was a serious fall into the ravine. Gaiters (along, possibly, with helmets, gloves and poles) are sensible gear to wear when descending scree. Scree running can be easy and fun, but care should be taken to identify rocks, exposed hard areas and fall hazards, particularly when members of the party are inexperienced in such conditions.
4. Jumble Top, 18 February 2024
A 1200-meter descent from Jumble Top was through steep and slippery terrain, initially tussocks and later, scrubby forest, with all members of the party experiencing occasional bum slides. On one such occasion, a participant twisted a little finger. Pain gradually increased and the hand swelled, but the injured party remained in good spirits and returned to Christchurch. A visit to a medical centre the next day revealed a significant crack in the finger, requiring a four-week cast.
This is a common and often unavoidable risk in tramping of the CTC sort. Poles can be handy under some conditions, but also be a hinderance under others. Parties should try to assist members who are having special difficulties by progressing at an appropriate speed, and by identifying particularly slippery sections, hand holds etc.
5. Absence from work, 26 February 2024
A work colleague of a CTC member phoned a Committee Member to say that the person had not shown up for work, possibly after a weekend of tramping. A check of trip lists indicated that the absentee was not on a Club trip, and an email to selected club members seemed to confirm that. Minutes later, the colleague reported having contacted the absentee, who was unwell and taking a day of sick leave. The colleague reported no difficulty contacting the CTC and commended our on-line information and processes. It’s good to know that our systems work well, but this trivial incident emphasizes the importance and utility of having all trip participants signed up on-line. Trip leaders should ensure that all participants, including non-members, are recorded, along with emergency contact information.
6. Helicopter Hill trip, 28 October 2023
At about 5 pm on return, a prospective member’s car broke down on SH73, 10 minutes after leaving Mistletoe Flat, with five people onboard including two ten-year-old children. The driver pulled over then rolled 50 metres along the road to a safe park. The trip leader arrived after five minutes and drove the driver/parent and children to Christchurch. The two other passengers called a tow company and were towed to Springfield about an hour later. They then hitchhiked back to Christchurch arriving home at 8:30 pm.
Not much to say here except that there is a degree of luck that the broken-down car was not the last in the queue. It’s certain that the occupants would have got home eventually, but I can imagine that it could have caused a great deal of stress and anxiety for those waiting for the car’s occupants to turn up home or at a designated meeting spot.
7. Hollyford Track, Matariki Weekend, 9-17 July 2023
Due to track conditions, progress was slow on the way in, and it was clear that not everyone would be able to complete the full trip in the available time. The group split into two after a night at Demon hut on Tuesday. A subgroup of five exited via Lake Alabaster, while the other five continued on to Martins Bay. The returning subgroup gave two days of food to the continuing group and left more food at Hidden Falls hut the following day. On arrival back at Christchurch, the returning group informed the Club Captain and President, as well as the emergency contacts for the continuing subgroup members. The continuing group emerged on Monday 17 July, a day later than initially intended, but in accord with the adjusted intentions.
Textbook conduct by all parties and a safe and very satisfactory outcome. All are to be commended. The incident did, however, identify a minor problem with our system of recording emergency contact on-line. The IT guys have fixed that problem.
8. Mt Oxford, 23 August 2023
The trip leader had indicated that it was “likely for the rain to turn to snow on the way up” and that participants should “be sure to have all the gear as per the club gear list (on the web site). If in doubt or you need to borrow any gear contact the leader.” A prospective member who turned up at the departure point with running shoes and no boots was informed that such footwear was inappropriate and that he could not participate. Leaders are entirely within their rights to exclude people who are not appropriately equipped. I contacted the prospective member, who was accepting of the situation and apologetic.
Appendix: Older reports
TRIP INCIDENTS
- Big Ben range via Thirteen Mile Bush 13 May 2023: One participant was not physically sufficiently well prepared and slowed progress very considerably. That and a (relatively minor) navigational error led to substantial delays, the trip finishing well after dark. The large group rallied around to help the underprepared participant and nearly everyone had head lamps, so no harm accrued. The trip leader will recalibrate his checks on participant fitness. No further action taken.
- Big Ben range via Thirteen Mile Bush 13 May 2023: The day after the trip, a participant tested positive for Covid, having shown no symptoms during the tramp. Participants who shared a car with that person were informed. All other trip participants were told that an anonymous person in a different car had tested positive. None of the other participants became ill. No further action taken.
- Otehake Hot Pools 13 May 2023: A participant dislocated a left-hand finger at roughly 45-degrees. With no medical experience in the party, no attempt was made to relocate the finger. The hand was bandaged and elevated under a jacket, Codeine was administered, and the participant was assisted with walking as necessary. The participant later found that the finger had relocated without pain. A&E to Hokitika or Greymouth was discussed but, ultimately, not sought. The participant drove home, later reporting “I walked another hour mowing lawns and finger is fine. A bit swollen but Dr friend not seeing any need for attention … not broken.” Appropriate responses, good outcome, no further action taken.
- Lake Daniell 13 May 2023: A cooking pot vibrated off a burner, spilling boiling water onto the bench and floor. Two people preparing meals jumped clear without getting splashed. No harm occurred. Actions – burner/pot combinations should be appropriately matched. Large pots need to have suitably large and stable burners.
- Annavale/Thirteen Mile Bush Circuit 27 May 2023: Through Thirteen Mile Bush, there were many windfallen trees and several participants bumped foreheads or scalps. Injuries were superficial, except for one participant who suffered a more serious gash with copious bleeding. Others administered first aid and carried the injured party’s pack, and car occupation was rearranged to facilitate the casualty’s rapid transport back to Christchurch. She chose not to go to A&E but consulted a doctor on the next day. The wound required no further attention. Appropriate responses, good outcome, no further action taken. Every party should carry suitable first-aid equipment and materials.
APPROPRIATE GEAR
A summer trip unexpectedly involved a traverse of a steep snow slope with, reportedly, no safe runout. Two party members had no ice axes. One of those two was wearing trail runners, unsuitable for snow, and had no alpine experience above a beginner’s snow craft course. The slope was negotiated without an accident by participants supporting each other and running ice axes back to others. In alpine conditions it is necessary that prevailing conditions be researched and that there is enough technical gear to support the safety of all members. Do not assume that every participant has appropriate experience and is aware of what they will need. Runners are rarely suitable for untracked, backcountry routes.
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
The CTC is a very diverse club with people from all over the world and with different backgrounds, experiences and degrees of levels tramping experience and aptitude.
- Occasionally, some members of a party may unhappy other members’ ability or preparation, but it is unacceptable for them to express their views aggressively or disdainfully. Advice should be kind and constructive. In the first instance, if the problem is sufficiently serious, how are we going to deal with it (encouragement, have a rest, lend gear, provide food, water, first-aid, physical support etc.)? Later, or if there is no immediate risk, what could be done in future (alternative trip choices, fitness programmes, gear purchases, training etc.). If any participant berates or belittles (i.e. bullies) another member of the party, you should demand that they desist, and you should report the incident to the Club Captain.
- In past decades/centuries/millennia, the ridicule of others based on ethnicity, culture, sex, gender identity or life choices (racism, sexism and the like) was regarded as a valid source of mirth. Thankfully, those days are gone, and the CTC does not tolerate such behaviour. If anyone involved in a CTC activity is heard to slip into such archaic and unacceptable practices, they should be immediately called to account (blame the Club Captain if you like) and the incident should be reported to the Club Captain. Note that this is not limited to cases where the event includes members of the group that might be regarded as directly subject to the “ism” – prejudice is unacceptable and hurtful in all circumstances.