Recently I experienced an accident that illustrates the risks and consequences of being injured in our mountains. To my rescuers, thank you!! To our community, consider this event an opportunity to evaluate backcountry risk mitigation. Walking the barely visible Chilly Ridge Trail, while returning from Tukga-Hut being built by Haines Huts & Trails, I fell and cracked my left leg fibula. The bad: crutches. The good: Hut volunteers rerouted the trail around “Fibula Gulch” and brushed sections of 7-Mile Trail. Maintained trails help prevent falls. A big thanks to Kevin Forster who professionally constructed a splint and arranged the helicopter (thanks, Temsco!), Leslie Evenden remained with me from the start and did communications with both hut volunteers and Deborah Marshall in Haines (thanks Deb!), Greg Collen who assisted, SEARHC for providing excellent off-hours care, and other hut volunteers. So many rescuers! I had accepted the risks involved with the hut build. Nevertheless, my fall was unexpected. I was especially lucky that experienced rescuers were nearby and the weather was fine. Rescuer risk levels were relatively low, but they are never zero. Assisted walking or transport via stretcher down 7-Mile Saddle Trail were difficult rescue options. It was so lucky a helicopter was available! As more people enjoy our beautiful surroundings, it makes sense that we work together to improve our trails and provide shelters to minimize the risks to backcountry travelers and rescuers.
Dennis Geasan HHAT Board Member