What happened?   

A research team was conducting fieldwork at a remote site accessible only by ski from the base camp. While returning alone to base camp, one researcher fell, sustaining a 3-inch laceration extending to the bone and a bruised patella.

The area lacked cell phone coverage; however, the researcher used a two-way radio to request assistance. Personnel at base camp contacted emergency services to arrange evacuation. The injured researcher was transported to a nearby hospital, where they received sutures and antibiotics. The researcher was able to return to work the following day.

What was the cause?  

No specific cause for the fall was identified. However, fieldwork, especially in remote locations, can be highly hazardous. Difficult traveling conditions are an example of a fieldwork hazard. Accordingly, thorough preparation and emergency readiness are critical to ensure an effective response in the event of an incident.

How can incidents like this be prevented? 

While it is unclear how this incident could have been prevented, the impact of incidents like this can be mitigated through comprehensive preparation and planning. In this incident, the research group had an established plan for obtaining medical help in emergencies. Thus, the researcher knew how and when to call for help. Furthermore, the researcher had been trained in wilderness first aid and used it to stop the bleeding. The combination of these two steps enabled the scientist to minimize the health impact of the injury.

Precautions

• Assess potential field hazards
• Assemble a written Field Safety Plan that includes emergency procedures and identifies how to alert emergency services nearby
• Receive basic training on first-aid, ideally wilderness first-aid, leadership skills, basic outdoor skills, and specialized skills necessary for the research project
• Have multiple communication devices (for example, a charged cell phone, field radios, a satellite phone/device, or a personal locator beacon; extra battery or charger) to ensure a means of calling for help is available.
• Adopt a buddy system so that if someone is injured, another person is immediately present to provide aid and/or call for help