[pct-l] Trail injuries

[wpsnotebook at charter.net (Richard Woods)]

Interesting account in the new Tahoe Rim Trail newsletter about 
assistance to an injured disoriented hiker found near Dardanelles Lake 
last summer.
Hiker in his twenties was found wandering in the woods with two black 
eyes and a broken arm. He had been hiking with a co-worker near Echo 
Lake nearly ten miles away cross country (I tend to think it was south 
of Echo Summit).
Headed back, his trail partner decided to take a shortcut and took the 
left fork, while this hiker took the right. Co-worker apparently never 
thought to say anything to anyone when his trail partner didn't show up 
again.
The hiker apparently lost his way, fell off a cliff and wandered around 
for six days with no food, and little water.
The folks who found him fed him, did some emergency first aid and 
helped him walk back out to cell phone range. EMS picked up him up at 
Big Meadow.
Lucky to have lived through some of the basic trail survival laws.

Leave a trip plan with someone who knows what to do and when!
If you and your party part ways, make sure everyone concerned knows 
about the change in plans!
Carry a map and compass at least and know how to use them!
Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst! Carry extra food and 
water, and some kind of shelter for an emergency.

Mo jo