Risk Management Corner: September

Incident Report Summary
Trip: BPX Trip – 3-Day Never Summer in RMNP from Colorado River TH (Jul 24–26, 2024)
Submitter/Primary Leader: CMC Leader
Report Category: Near Miss / Near Hit / "Close Call"

Incident:
• Participant: CMC Participant
• Experience Level: Moderate (1-3 years)
• Witnesses: CMC Leader, CMC Leader
• Date & Time: July 24, 2024, 3:00 PM
• Location: Thunder Pass Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park (~9800 feet elevation)

Details:
On July 24, a group of six set off from the Colorado River Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park for a three-day backpacking trip. The leaders, CMC Leader 1 and CMC Leader 2, had vetted the participants and sent all trip details in advance. During the hike, CMC Participant began showing signs of distress. CMC Leader 1 adjusted the group’s pace to accommodate him, but his condition worsened as the hike progressed. By the time the group reached the river near Lulu City, CMC Participant assured the leaders he was okay to continue, and the group decided to move on slowly. However, on the steepest section before camp, CMC Participant was unable to continue. CMC Leader 2 assessed his symptoms and suspected altitude sickness, prompting the decision for CMC Leader 2 to hike back with CMC Participant to the trailhead while the rest of the group completed the trip. The hike back took three hours, and CMC Participant was later diagnosed with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and treated for low oxygen. In their debrief, the leaders concluded that earlier medical assessment would have been beneficial and will improve vetting processes and first-aid assessments on future trips.

Narrative:
• CMC Participant showed signs of altitude sickness, which affected the group's pace.
• Leaders managed the situation, with one leader eventually escorting CMC
Participant back to the trailhead.
• CMC Participant was diagnosed with AMS the next day and expressed gratitude for the leaders' support.

Analysis:
• The leaders noted the importance of early first aid assessment and better
communication.

Recommendations include improved vetting of participants and considering AMS for nausea symptoms even at lower altitudes.

Follow-up:
• Review and update participant vetting questions for future trips.

Resource Page from the CMC Wilderness First Aid Field Guide:

NPS Resource: Acute Mountain Sickness - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Wild Med Video Resource: How does it present?