The Scottish mountain rescue casualty study

Abstract

Aim: To describe injuries and illnesses in casualties rescued by Scottish mountain rescue teams during 1998 and 1999, with particular emphasis on major trauma. Methods: Retrospective study. Information from mountain rescue reports, Scottish Trauma Audit Group database, and hospital case notes. Results: Teams undertook 622 emergency callouts in the two years. A total of 333 casualties with injuries and illnesses rescued. There were 57 fatal incidents, 261 (78.4%) rescued with traumatic injuries, 12 (3.6%) suffering from major trauma, and 12 (3.6%) had spinal injuries. Half had lower limb injuries. Twenty six (7.7%) were suffering from non-traumatic medical problems. Forty six (13.8%) were suffering from cold or exhaustion. Fifty three casualties were dead when the rescue team arrived. Four died during or after rescue, one from hypothermia and three from trauma. All major trauma casualties were evacuated by helicopter. Discussion: No previous similar studies identified. Significant numbers of seriously injured and ill casualties are being cared for by mountain rescue team casualty carers, many of whom are not healthcare professionals. The need for improved training, research, and equipment is discussed. Conclusion: Scottish MRTs are called upon to provide an advanced level of care for a significant number of casualties. There is a need for formalised opportunities for in hospital training, management protocols, and continuing research and audit-none of which currently exists. L arge numbers of people make use of the Scottish mountains for sporting activities each year. Accidents unfortunately occur during these activities, often in remote locations and in adverse weather conditions. It is the role of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Service to locate, treat, and rescue injured and ill casualties when accidents occur.The 26 mountain rescue teams (MRTs) in Scotland undertake over 300 emergency call outs a year.

UK mountain rescue casualties: 2002-2006

“…For example, the lower extremity has often been reported as the most frequently injured body part 6 11 13. Also, more of those rescued had injuries rather than medical illnesses 5 14. Similar trends have been reported from studies conducted in North America 15–17.…”

“…The most recent study describing casualties in detail was published in 2003, but concerned Scotland only 5. Other published studies have not analysed UK rescue data as a whole 6–13.…”

Bergwacht im Deutschen Roten Kreuz

“…22% der Fälle Alpinnotfäl-le mit internistischem, jedoch ca. 78% mit traumatologischem Hintergrund versorgt [6]. In der alpinen Notfallmedizin über-wiegen demzufolge also die traumatologischen Not-bzw.…”

Fluid Management in Traumatic Shock: A Practical Approach for Mountain Rescue

“…Of these, 4% to 8% have sustained major trauma, with traumatic brain injury (TBI) being common (Burtscher and Jenny, 1987;Benedetto et al, 1991;Hearns, 2003).…”