Ten years of search and rescue in Yosemite National Park: examining the past for future prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To identify trends in demographics of search and rescue incidents in Yosemite National Park and to ascertain patient opinions regarding incident prevention.

METHODS

Retrospective data on backcountry incidents from Yosemite Search and Rescue Patient Care Reports from 2000 to 2009 was examined, and a statistical description of data was completed to determine patient demographics. Patients assisted in the backcountry from 2007 to 2009 were surveyed, and a statistical description of data elicited factors that contributed to the incident.

RESULTS

Yosemite Search and Rescue received 1088 backcountry medical calls in 10 years. Of these calls, 55% of patients were male, 46% of incidents occurred while hiking on a trail, and extremity pain was the chief complaint in 53% of cases. The gender of patients was found to be associated with the activity causing the incident. Patient surveys reported that 79% of incidents occurred on clear days, 13% of patients felt that better gear would have helped prevent the incident, and 14.4% of patients felt they were underprepared. Fifty-four percent of patients reported that they were experts at the activity they were participating in. Appropriate footwear and sufficient water were suggested by most patients as items that would have prevented or minimized the incident.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients reported that they were experienced, well-prepared, and physically fit at the time of the incident. An educational effort regarding appropriate gear, trail conditions, and patient demographics may help decrease injury and illness in the Yosemite backcountry in the future.