A cascade of poor decisions – lack of experience, a hyperfocus on reaching their destination despite horrendous conditions and the separation of party members – results in the preventable loss of a young woman left behind on the Gillespie Pass. Examining the events leading up to this tragedy, Johnny Mulheron and Erik Bradshaw offer sound advice for trampers heading off the beaten path of the Great Walks.
One of New Zealand's finest mountaineers of the modern age passes away in a fall during a descent towards Homer Saddle. In an examination into these tragic events, Johnny Mulheron and Nick Plimmer examine the safety measures taken and the coroner's recommendations, including a rare quote that he includes in his final report.
Halfway through their Lewis Pass to Nelson Lakes tramp, an experienced tramper tumbles 25 metres down a scree slope on Thompson Pass. Due to the skilled response by his party and the helicopter rescue team, the tramper is successfully evacuated. The team reflects on lessons from their ordeal and Johnny Mulheron shares essential, lifesaving tips for outdoor enthusiasts.
Don't get caught unprepared in the backcountry. Johnny Mulheron, Backcountry Accident Columnist, offers advice about what to take to the hills in your first aid kit.
A young, solo tramper attempts to cross the Cascade Saddle during heavy rainfall and tragically drowns. Johnny Mulheron reminds us of the dangers posed by crossing flooded streams and how best to make an informed decision when crossing.
A lack of rope and soft snow pack forces two climbers to weigh their options: build a snow cave for the night or set up an emergency bivouac shelter and call for rescue.
One of New Zealand’s most experienced rescue helicopter crew members, Jon Leach, offers a behind the scenes glimpse into helicopter rescues and explains what trampers can do to increase their chances of survival in an emergency.
On day 3 of an 8 day trip, an unexpected weather bomb forces four mountaineers to make the critical decision to abandon camp in horrendous conditions.
Rockfall is an increasing hazard in the Central Southern Alps due to glacial recession. Learn from the sad events of November 9, 2002, when a young climber died on the shores of the Ramsay Glacier terminal lake.
Johnny Mulheron probes the loss of a climber on the slopes of Mt Revelation and finds lessons from which others could learn.
Johnny Mulheron and Nick Plimmer discuss the modes of mountain communication, when to seek assistance, and how to prepare for rescue.
Make good outdoor decisions. Johnny Mulheron warns of, and describes, heuristic traps.
A 2008 tramping fatality near Liverpool Biv was a tragic reminder of some important lessons for backcountry travel.
What lessons can be learnt from tragic 2015 drowning of a tramper on the Gillespie Pass circuit?
Are you heading beyond the bushline? In Aotearoa New Zealand, the 'death zone' occurs at the subalpine zone around 1200 and 1500 metres and poses many dangers. Johnny Mulheron, FMC Backcountry Accident Columnist, shares what you need to know, and practice, to travel competently at this altitude.
The latest thinking on how to prevent, recognise and treat this challenging condition in the field
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