Author/Authors :
Kordi, Ramin Sports Medicine Research Center - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Rostami, Mohsen Sports Medicine Research Center - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Heidari, Pedram Center for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging - Department of Radiology - Massachusetts General Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA , Ameli, Sanaz Noorafshar Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Hospital, Tehran, Iran , Foroughifard, Lotfali Sports Medicine Research Center - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Kordi, Mahboobeh Sports Medicine Research Center - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Purpose: This study was performed to determine the possible causes and
mechanisms of fatalities among Iranian mountaineers during climbing.
Methods: By contacting several sources, deceased mountaineers were
identified. Data about the causes and mechanism of death was retrospectively
obtained using a standard questionnaire for each case.
Results: A total of 29 deaths were identified from March 2006 to June 2010.
Deceased subjects had a mean age of 39 years (SD: 12.8, Range: 20-67). Falling
was the most common accident leading to death of outdoor enthusiasts (n=14,
48%). Asphyxia (n=6, 24%) was the most common cause of death among the
subjects, followed by heart attack, internal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage and
hypothermia (17%, 17%, 17% and 10%, respectively).
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that education of medical service providers
of the climbing groups on facing victims in high altitude areas, where they
have limited resources, can be particularly helpful. In addition, a national
program to educate mountaineers might help to reduce fatalities.
Keywords :
Risk Factors , Mountaineering , Altitude , Mortality
