Today we have an important safety reminder from Peggy Last Monday, Linda, Jan, & I had a pleasant hike up the north route going up Mt Townsend. We often find we remember & discuss previous experiences on the trail we're hiking on. Several years ago a fairly large group of MH had a great trip to the north summit of Mt Townsend. Coming down, just past the junction with the Tubal Cain trail, we fortunately looked over the steep slope on the downhill side, & saw a hiker lying still part way down the hill. This turned out to be a hiker new to our group who was hiking alone when her friend hadn't shown up. Two of our group were working their way downhill quickly, calling out they were coming, & that they would get her turned over & up. I immediately yelled "don't move her until I get there!" I'm a retired pediatrician, safety is a big part of pediatrics, I did not want her moved till we knew she could move arms & legs. And fortunately, she could, we were able to get her upright, she walked out on her own power, though she did have a shoulder injury. If we had had any concerns about a spinal cord injury, we would have moved to a higher level of care, including sending our fastest hiker out to call 911, asking for transport for a spinal cord injury. Meanwhile, other MH would be asked to contribute available clothes to keep her warm while waiting for professional help which can take several hours to a day or so.
In my years with the MH I've actually seen few serious injuries, for which I'm grateful, & as a group, I've found pretty much everyone is willing & anxious to help when an accident has occurred. This is just a reminder that inability to move legs, or arms & legs means a spinal cord injury is possible/likely, & the hiker needs special care if this has occurred. And don’t forget, we have a new website that lists all the details for thee weekly hikes. https://hikermark1.wixsite.com/kitsapmondayhikers Here is what is planned for the coming Monday: Walkers: The Walkers will hike Anderson Lake State Park. They will meet at the Poulsbo Park & Ride (in the very back) at 9:30 or at the trailhead at 10am (address 1061 Anderson Lake Road, Chimicum, WA, 98325). Discovery Pass required. Hikers: The Hikers will hike Mount Zion. They will depart from the Poulsbo Viking Park & Ride at 8am. Mountain Goats: The Goats hope to hike Marmot Pass, depending on the weather. If it is pouring rain, they will adjust their expectations. They will depart from the Poulsbo Viking Park & Ride at 8am. Walkers: Anderson Lake SP: http://www.parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/9271/Anderson-Lake-State-Park-PDF Hikers: Mount Zion: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-zion Mountain Goats: Marmot Pass: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/marmot-pass-upper-big-quilcene
Mark
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