Re[2]: [at-l] Risk of injury backpacking (was "This is the 9

[tmcginnis@ucclan.state.in.us (Thomas McGinnis)]

     Oh come on, you guys!
     Take a deep breath -- maybe get a cup of coffee or something -- and 
     try this thread over again with a little thought or further 
     contemplation or something....
     
     Any second now, somebody's going to propose $8,000,000 to $10,000,000 
     to a federal bureau to investigate and report on and recommend 
     appropriate legislation on...all these threats and injuries "probably 
     universal" happening in the backwoods.
     
     I'm gonna lose it.
     (phew!)
     
     Sloetoe -- somehow a survivor
     (Going to get my own cup of coffee.)


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [at-l] Risk of injury backpacking (was "This is the 90's
Author:  "W F Thorneloe; MD" <thornel@ibm.net> at ima
Date:    6/24/99 8:54 AM


Part of your interesting question depends on the definition of injury. An 
acute injury, such as broken bone from a fall or snake bite, is fairly 
uncommon, and certainly less severe than - say -  mountain biking. Chronic 
injuries due to overuse and malnutrition are far more common, and probably 
universal among long section and thru hikers. This would include stress 
fractures, muscle tears, joint injuries (knees and ankles) and such.
     
Lethality of injury on the AT would appear to be quite minor (except for 
the ones experiencing it). There are better ways of killing and maiming 
yourself, at least more efficiently. I believe you can find statistics 
about sports related injuries at the CDC, and would expect backpacking and 
hiking to be insignificant.
     
Good question.
     
Should an insurance company deny coverage for a hiker?
     
OrangeBug
Atlanta, GA
     
At 11:14 PM 6/23/1999 -0400, David  F. Addleton wrote:
>I also suspect the risk of injury whilst hiking the AT is substantially 
>lower than many other out-door activities and sports and is also probably 
>lower than many "every day, urban activities."
     
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