View Full Version : Yesterday morning, a hiker was injured south of Clingmans dome.
Yesterday morning about 6 1/2 miles south of Clingmans dome a young woman (25sh?) out hiking with her friend slipped and broke her ankle around 8am. There was no phone coverage and our spot satellite trackers weren't any help. First aid was administered. The young lady was covered up in her sleeping bag for warmth, foot elevated and boot left on. After doing all we could could to help we left here with her friend. After a mile or so a phone got a signal and 911 was called. All information was relayed. Search and Rescue was notified. About 1 mile from Clingmans I ran into the 2 SAR member going to help. This was about 2pm. I was able to talk to them for just a minute (they were in a hurry) The plan was to get to her and evaluate her condition. Extraction was to be the following morning (today). Some things to think about. After we left her she had no idea what was going on. She had no idea if/when we got through. No one walked back the mile to tell them we got through. We passed no one who could have relayed the message to them. Due to the incredibly crappy weather not many were on the trail that day. Things could have been much worse. I don't think the SAR could have made it there before 5pm. Imagine this scenario for a solo hiker or maybe happening later in the day when nobody else is passing by. Just somethings to think about and understand.
Before calling dupe this is a repost of what I posted on a face book page.
Gave me a lot to think about especially as a solo hiker.
ETA; is there anyone or anywhere I can find updates on how things ended up?
MuddyWaters
04-03-2019, 18:47
Since you say she was covered up with her sleeping bag
I presume it's a hiker with a shelter and sleeping bag and food, etc
On a busy trail
Not really much to worry about. Sounds like things went like they should be expected to go.
How old was the woman? Wait I see you said 25.
Older people can break ankles pretty easily sometimes. my dad broke his at 70 just turning around to answer the phone in the kitchen.
Young people will usually tear ligaments and or sprained or things of that nature unless doing something pretty intense
When I was hiking the Colorado trail I met a older woman whos hiking partner had broken her ankle and was airlifted out. But she was in that 60- 70 year old range too.
4eyedbuzzard
04-03-2019, 19:16
Try GSMNP Public Affairs (865) 436-1207, form mail https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4F84D5BAA2C0A0B99CB533A1E904E5AA49 8B&r=/grsm/learn/news/contactpublicaffairs.htm
Or BUSAR if they were the responding S&R,
[email protected]
Explain that you were the reporting party and just wanted to know if rescue was successful, etc. You may not be able to get anything though due to HIPPA.
bighammer
04-04-2019, 11:12
Reminds me of a story: A neighbor who ran a lot, often with her dogs, was sitting on the ground at the entrance to our subdivision. As I pulled out, I saw her wave and waved back as I got on the road. Something in the back of my mind told me her facial expression was off, though. I turned around to find she had slipped on some ice and broken her ankle. She was in a lot of pain and her smile was really more of a grimace. She had been there a bit and a few other neighbors had passed thinking she was just tying her shoes or loving her dogs.
ldsailor
04-04-2019, 12:49
Older people can break ankles pretty easily sometimes. my dad broke his at 70 just turning around to answer the phone in the kitchen.
When I was hiking the Colorado trail I met a older woman whos hiking partner had broken her ankle and was airlifted out. But she was in that 60- 70 year old range too.
Thanks for the encouragement.:eek: I'll be trying to finish the trail NOBO in a couple of months (picking up in the Wildcats in NH where I ended last year). I figure I should finish just about the time I turn 70 - or not.
rmitchell
04-04-2019, 17:59
GaryM
I cannot find anything on the websites for the three major television stations in Knoxville. Hopefully no news is good news.
Thanks for your efforts. I'm sure you would like to have some closure on the incident. I think you did exactly the right thing for the hiker.
Sounds as if she was between Spence Field and Silers Bald. At least she had someone with her and had a sleeping bag. Hopefully she had some sort of cover to keep off rain. Likely SAR arrived before dark and were able to move her to the nearest shelter.
illabelle
04-04-2019, 19:34
I saw that story on FB as well. Thanks for posting here Gary. Hope to hear good news.
W8lkinUSA
04-04-2019, 20:33
Why not just email search and rescue?
I cannot find anything on the websites for the three major television stations in Knoxville. Hopefully no news is good news.
thats not something we would normally cover....
there are so many search and rescues in the Park that happen every year.....
and yeah, with privacy laws----its tough to get info sometimes....
W8lkinUSA
04-05-2019, 10:15
It isn't like any personal information is desired. Sounds like the OP just wants to follow up for closure.
rmitchell
04-05-2019, 17:47
thats not something we would normally cover....
there are so many search and rescues in the Park that happen every year.....
and yeah, with privacy laws----its tough to get info sometimes....
Actually that was my point. Maybe I was being too subtle.
If it was routine rescue then there is no news.
Had it led to a fatality, then there's a news story. Especially in light of autopsy report of Susan Clemens who died near there.
needlefish
04-06-2019, 00:39
Why wasn't your spot any help?
Yesterday morning about 6 1/2 miles south of Clingmans dome a young woman (25sh?) out hiking with her friend slipped and broke her ankle around 8am. There was no phone coverage and our spot satellite trackers weren't any help. First aid was administered. The young lady was covered up in her sleeping bag for warmth, foot elevated and boot left on. After doing all we could could to help we left here with her friend. After a mile or so a phone got a signal and 911 was called. All information was relayed. Search and Rescue was notified. About 1 mile from Clingmans I ran into the 2 SAR member going to help. This was about 2pm. I was able to talk to them for just a minute (they were in a hurry) The plan was to get to her and evaluate her condition. Extraction was to be the following morning (today). Some things to think about. After we left her she had no idea what was going on. She had no idea if/when we got through. No one walked back the mile to tell them we got through. We passed no one who could have relayed the message to them. Due to the incredibly crappy weather not many were on the trail that day. Things could have been much worse. I don't think the SAR could have made it there before 5pm. Imagine this scenario for a solo hiker or maybe happening later in the day when nobody else is passing by. Just somethings to think about and understand.
Before calling dupe this is a repost of what I posted on a face book page.
Gave me a lot to think about especially as a solo hiker.
ETA; is there anyone or anywhere I can find updates on how things ended up?
Situation like this is why I took a NOLS Wilderness First Aid class.
Sarcasm the elf
04-06-2019, 08:44
Had it led to a fatality, then there's a news story. Especially in light of autopsy report of Susan Clemens who died near there.
I never heard about the autopsy, did it reveal anything unexpected?
Berserker
04-06-2019, 09:50
I never heard about the autopsy, did it reveal anything unexpected?
Yeah, that comment piqued my curiosity too. The autopsy revealed the cause of death was hypothermia (https://www.wyff4.com/article/cause-of-death-of-woman-separated-from-daughter-while-hiking-is-released/27044991).
Why wasn't your spot any help?
Yes. Which models? What happened?
Wayne
Good example of how relying on digital gadgets for safety/rescue is hopelessly flawed and potentially fatal. Ask any emergency staff about the people they rescue with only a cell phone, dead batteries, no coverage, etc. Ever heard of the 10 essentials? First Aid Kit, warm clothing, extra food. I add a ham radio.
needlefish
04-06-2019, 21:38
Yes. Which models? What happened?
Wayne
thinking of getting one but i'm hearing about failures.
Traveler
04-07-2019, 08:46
I hear a lot of things about various items, but if not substantiated, I ignore it as gossip. The older generation SPOT devices needed a fairly open look at the sky (or perhaps more accurately a satellite) to send the message. The Generation III device is more robust and I've not seen many substantiated complaints about the help function not working. For what it's worth, mine sends out the "I'm still alive" messages without issue and tracks well for those watching at home.
I hear a lot of things about various items, but if not substantiated, I ignore it as gossip. The older generation SPOT devices needed a fairly open look at the sky (or perhaps more accurately a satellite) to send the message. The Generation III device is more robust and I've not seen many substantiated complaints about the help function not working. For what it's worth, mine sends out the "I'm still alive" messages without issue and tracks well for those watching at home.
Ditto. Mine worked fine on the AT, both the tracking and “I’m okay” messages. It worked fine on a Caribbean cruise, also.
Folks have to understand that SPOT is one way messaging. If you hit the SOS button you’re going to get SAR and helicopters, and maybe $. I’m not saying don’t do it if you really need it.
PLBs can provide two way messaging.
More technology on the trail ...
4eyedbuzzard
04-07-2019, 10:24
Ditto. Mine worked fine on the AT, both the tracking and “I’m okay” messages. It worked fine on a Caribbean cruise, also.
Folks have to understand that SPOT is one way messaging. If you hit the SOS button you’re going to get SAR and helicopters, and maybe $. I’m not saying don’t do it if you really need it.
PLBs can provide two way messaging.
More technology on the trail ...Spot X claims to be two way. https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lander.php Not cheap though - like paying a second phone bill. If you don't need two way sat messaging a lot, seems pretty pricey.
Decent article on what is available tech wise with smaller satellite messengers / PLBs at https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon including some discussion on navigation and ratings on how well they work. Interesting - and costly gadgets.