Join medical doctor Esteban A. Valle and experts Andrew P. Cobourn, Spencer JH. Trivitt, Jordy Hendrikx, and Jerry D. Johnson as they dive into the world of backcountry skiing and avalanche safety amid the pandemic. They discuss the challenges faced by novice skiers and the increasing avalanche risks. The conversation shifts to toxinology, unpacking snake bites and the complexities of venom. Listeners will learn about the myths surrounding Amanita mushrooms and the importance of timely medical intervention for venom-related emergencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a notable increase in backcountry skiing participation, particularly among newcomers lacking avalanche training.
A concerning trend indicates that many experienced skiers have not updated their avalanche education, fostering overconfidence and risky decision-making.
The podcast highlights the significance of toxinology in wilderness medicine, focusing on managing complications from venomous stings and bites.
Deep dives
The Impact of COVID-19 on Backcountry Skiing
The pandemic has significantly influenced backcountry skiing, leading to a notable increase in participation rates. Many new skiers were motivated by resort closures and overcrowding, prompting about a quarter of them to venture into backcountry skiing for the first time. This shift indicates a broader trend in which people sought outdoor activities as an alternative to crowded ski resorts, reflecting a cultural embrace of backcountry skiing, which has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the sport over the years. As interest in this sport accelerates, safety and avalanche awareness need to keep pace to prevent accidents among inexperienced skiers entering this domain.
Avalanche Safety and Inexperienced Skiers
A concerning trend has emerged with a significant number of new backcountry skiers lacking formal avalanche training, which poses safety risks on the slopes. The data revealed that around 25% of the new cohort had no prior training, heightening the potential for dangerous situations. Even among experienced skiers, many have not updated their avalanche education, leading to overconfidence in their abilities and decision-making skills. This highlights a critical need for enhanced training programs and outreach to ensure that all skiers, whether new or experienced, are equipped with the knowledge to assess avalanche risks effectively.
Trends in Avalanche Fatalities
During the 2020-2021 season, the number of avalanche fatalities increased, raising concerns regarding the correlation between the rise of inexperienced skiers and tragic incidents. Interestingly, most fatalities involved experienced skiers, indicating that familiarity with the backcountry does not always guarantee safe decision-making. While the data suggested that there was an increase in avalanche deaths, it remained unclear whether new skiers were more prone to accidents, as they primarily sought less technical terrain. The study underscores the complexity of avalanche risks and the need for ongoing education regardless of experience level among skiers.
Research Findings on Backcountry Use Patterns
Research during the pandemic revealed a stark shift in skiing habits, with a reported 20% increase in backcountry use among both seasoned and novice skiers. A significant number of respondents indicated they reduced their time at ski resorts and opted for backcountry experiences, demonstrating a shift in preferences likely influenced by pandemic-related factors. These findings are noteworthy, as they underscore the need for avalanche awareness and safety as more individuals gravitate towards backcountry environments. The transition also reflects broader trends in outdoor recreation, where individuals seek less crowded alternatives to traditional skiing venues.
The Role of Toxinology in Wilderness Medicine
The podcast dives into toxinology, exploring various cases related to envenomations and poisoning, especially focused on situations arising from snake and wasp stings. Notable discussions included the efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in managing complications from snake bites, particularly in severe cases. The importance of correct classification of venomous bites was also highlighted, focusing on the need for clarity in emergency response. These discussions emphasized the intricate relationship between wilderness experiences and potential medical emergencies, necessitating a well-rounded understanding of toxinology for health and safety in outdoor activities.
#28: Avalanche Safety and Toxinology
Dec 2022
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine journal online: www.wemjournal.org
Questions/comments/feedback and/or interest in participating? Send an email to: WMPodcast@wms.org
Part 1: Journal Club
Title: Perceptions Among Backcountry Skiers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Avalanche Safety and Backcountry Habits of New and Established Skiers
Authors: Esteban A. Valle, MD; Andrew P. Cobourn, BS; Spencer JH. Trivitt, BS; Jordy Hendrikx, PhD; Jerry D. Johnson, DA; David C. Fiore, MD
DOI: https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(22)00145-4/fulltext
CME Available: https://wms.org/members
Part 2: Toxinology Discussion
Darryl interviews WEM’s senior toxinology editor, Dr. Scott Weinstein, and assistant toxinology editor, Dr. Michael Levine.
Toxinology special section available in the December 2022 journal: https://www.wemjournal.org/issue/S1080-6032(22)X0005-7
Credits: Mike Austin and avalanchegeeks.com, and “avalanche avoiding kung fu.”
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