Safety

Safety: Walking safely must be a number one priority - besides enjoying ourselves! In 12 months in 2006/2007 there were 6 accidents in the groups I know of (Mountain Club , Meridian & U3A - 4 broken legs and 2 sprains etc).  None of these have been falls - each one has occurred during "normal" walking on virtually level paths.  The reality is that it can happen to almost anyone at anytime and we must all be prepared.  MCSA has statistics on accidents for the past 170 years (yes, they do go back to 1835!)   Some extracts are attached below.

 A few hints and tips:

• • Make sure the grade of the walk you undertake is within your capabilities. Grades vary from 0 to 5 - see grading of walks and climbs  for more information. 

  • We are blessed with an excellent rescue service in the Cape - Wilderness Search & Rescue (WSAR). They can be contacted through the Emergency Metro Services (EMS) Control Center at 021 948 9900.  This number must be programmed into everyone's cellphone.  (NB: In Aug 2008 the Metro number changed to 021 937 0300.  The old one still works, but best note the new one.)  Helicopter based rescues by Air Mercy Services (AMS) are the preferred method by WSAR, even for light injuries.  What does it cost? The official line is that they recover from a Medical Aid if they can, but if they can't, the Province picks up the cost, provided the call out was made through the Metro control centre i.e. the number above.  (If you call AMS directly, they will bill you directly!) Another number worth recording is the Table Mountain National Park operations centre 086 110 6417.  This is particularly for reporting any security issues, but can also be used for emergencies on TM (but not in the country!) .

  • During a recent visit to AMS they stressed that any hiking group should call EMS early and let them decide whats steps are needed rather than struggle with a possibly injured person. The specialist EMS staff are in a much better position to evaulate injuries and decide on an appropriate course of action.  They stressed that cost should not be a consideration as no one would be charged for a helicopter call out if their medical aid did not cover it.

  • Rescue response time is generally very good (typically less than 3 hours in the Peninsula), but safer to assume it may be longer i.e. may end up being into the night or even overnight. This means one must always have adequate clothing to survive a night out - possibly in the rain - simply because accidents are more likely late afternoon or if the weather turns bad. So a waterproof anorak is essential as is a fleece or something similar. (Easier to stay warm if walking, not so easy when immobile.)   And if not wearing long pants, take a pair or use the zip-on legs type. A hat or beanie is also a good idea as the head is a major contributor to heat loss.

  • Carry a space blanket.  These are very light but provide good additional insulation and protection from the weather. Widely available from Clicks to Takelot to Union Mart or Cape Storm, from R20 to R100.   Note that a space blanket is not a substitute for an anorak and fleece as it provides little protection against conductive heat loss. See also the article on Winter Climbing Gear.

• If out in the country areas response times can be much longer as it can take 3-4 hours walk before one can even get cellphone reception - so plan accordingly i.e. more warm clothes, weather proof long over-trousers and a torch.  In fact it is good idea to carry a torch at all times.  The new LED head torches are excellent - even around the home!  The best make is Petzel (around R200) but cheaper ones are available for R50 or so. They are very light and compact.  Just make sure you have fresh batteries! A tip with regard to batteries: rechargeable batteries are great for cameras and the like, but not good for torches. Re-chargable batteries have about half the capacity, but more importantly they self-discharge in a few  months when not in use, so just when you need them, they may be flat!  Normal non-rechargables hold their charge for 5-6 years so you can put them in your pack and forget about them.  Well, not quite, but at least for much longer.  Best to test at least once a year.

  • Hypothermia can be a killer. If you don't know what it is or how to treat or avoid, read the article attached or see http://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/Mountain%20Hypothermia.pdf  or http://www.scotclimb.org.uk/safety/hypothermia.shtml. But don't think that this is only an issue in freezing conditions.  A few years ago a young boy died of hypothermia when he fell asleep one night on a Durban beach - in summer! Conditions that can result in hypothermia can occur at any time of the year in the Cape Mountains.  It turn from warm and sunny to sleeting in less than an hour -  in mid summer.

NB Any meet leader has a duty to exclude anyone from a walk if they are inadequately equipped or not fit enough for a particular walk.  If this means telling you to go back after you have started, so be it!

 Safety statistics: There was a comprehensive database of accidents in the Cape Mountains  which may be  interesting.  A few extracts:

(With acknowledgement and thanks to Andrew Lewis of UCT for setting up and maintaining this database.)

So 76% of all accidents happen on TM or the Peninsula, and 75% are while walking and scrambling, so don't think it is only climbers or country areas that are at risk!  For walking and scrambling only (see table below), there are an average of about two incidents a week, 20-30% of them resulting in injury and 6-9% in death.  Helicopter rescues are undertaken for 30-40% of all incidents but for nearly all injuries. (About 40% of incidents are people lost or stuck who typically only need guidance to get down and hence no helicopter.)

(2007 data is to July i.e only 6 months)

 I hope this data will well and truly scare you into taking safety seriously!  As the saying goes, there are old climbers and bold climbers, but few old, bold climbers.  So take care out there.

 Indemnity: By my participation in any activities held under the auspices of the  University of the Third Age (U3A), or sanctioned by U3A, I indemnify and absolve the U3A and individual members from any liability of any nature whatsoever and howsoever caused to me which may arise from any injury, illness, damage, loss, mishap, accident, or other occurrence. I acknowledge that I am aware of the risks to which I might be exposed as a result of such participation and voluntarily accept such risks.