Observational Study of Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Day Hikers: Determining Behavior Patterns to Aid in Preventive Search and Rescue Efforts

Abstract

Introduction-Grand Canyon National Park has seen an increase in visitors traversing the canyon from rim to rim (R2R) in a single day. R2R hikers travel over 33.8 km (21 mi) over 3300 m (11,000 ft) of elevation change and endure large temperature changes. Grand Canyon emergency medical service providers provide emergency medical services to over 1100 visitors annually. Direct guidance by Preventive Search and Rescue rangers has improved safety. The objective of this study was to examine visitors attempting an R2R traverse and to enhance PSAR rangers' anticipatory guidance. Methods-We conducted an observational study of R2R hikers in the spring and fall of 2015. Hikers consented to study inclusion and were interviewed at the starting trailhead, canyon bottom, and exit trailhead. We performed a survey and collected biometric data. Results-We enrolled 617 visitors with a median age of 43 y (interquartile range [IQR] 33¡53); 65% were male and 46% had hiked the R2R a median number of 3 times previously (IQR 2¡7). Hydration strategies included water bottle only (20%), hydration bladder only (31%), and both water bottle and hydration bladder (48%). R2R crossers had an average start time of 0530 (SD 1.3 h) and median crossing time of 11.9 h (IQR 10.7¡13.3). Crossing time and self-reported fatigue were negatively correlated with prior R2R experience (P=0.02). Conclusions-Crossing R2R in a day is hazardous and associated with risk of injury and illness. The results of this study can be used by Preventive Search and Rescue to reduce these risks by educating hikers.

Get lost! Safeguarding lost tourists in wilderness environments

“…The Oxford Dictionary defines 'lost' as: 'unable to find one's way, unable to be found and unable to understand or to cope with a situation'. Lost person events may be triggered by geographic disorientation, inability to reorientate, inability to return to places of safety, misadventure, misunderstandings, psychological issues, injury, incapacitation or death (Boore & Bock 2013, Heggie & Heggie 2012, Hill 1998, Hung & Townes 2007, Pearce et al 2019, Scott & Scott 2008.…”

“…Preventative search and rescue aims to reduce the frequency and effects of lost person events (Pearce et al 2019, Spano et al 2019. PSAR is an emergent field and an identified growth area for WiSAR.…”

Growth of Rescues in Natural Areas during the First Summer of COVID-19 Pandemic in Catalonia

“…One of the consequences of this was an increase in emergency service activity to rescue people in natural areas. The growth in the number of people visiting these areas also increased the probability of them having accidents there [15,18,[53][54][55]. Undertaking activities in natural areas often involves a certain element of risk.…”

“…The incidents can result from a wide range of factors rather than one specific cause related to poor decision making or adverse environmental conditions [14]. The rising number of people involved in outdoor recreation and leisure activities in natural areas has increased the possibility of injury and illness which may require emergency medical attention [15][16][17][18], and has led to an increase in the number of rescues carried out [19][20][21].…”

Aumento de rescates en espacios naturales durante Semana Santa 2021 en Cataluña: una consecuencia indirecta de la COVID-19

“…Incluso en la práctica del senderismo, que puede parecer una actividad relativamente segura, se pueden producir accidentes de mayor o menor gravedad debido a un calzado inadecuado, no disponer de agua o a unas condiciones meteorológicas adversas (Boore & Bock, 2013). El número cada vez mayor de personas que participan en actividades deportivas y recreativas en espacios naturales ha aumentado la posibilidad de sufrir accidentes que pueden requerir atención médica (Amarowicz et al, 2019;Gardner & Hill, 2002;Johnson et al, 2007;Pearce et al, 2019;Roi, 2021) y, por consiguiente, ha supuesto un aumento en el número de rescates realizados por parte de los servicios de emergencia (Ciesa et al, 2015;Lischke et al, 2001;Vanpoulle et al, 2021).…”