Safety Backcountry First Aid
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.
River Crossing A Casualty on Cascade Saddle
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.
Survivor Story Stranded on Mt Hopeless
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.
Backcountry Rescues Advice From the Rescue Helicopter Crew
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.
Survivor story Escape from Mt Whitcombe
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 Fatality in the Ramsay
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.
One slip Tragedy on Mt Revelation
Johnny Mulheron probes the loss of a climber on the slopes of Mt Revelation and finds lessons from which others could learn.
PLB's When To Push The Button – And What To Do Next
Johnny Mulheron and Nick Plimmer discuss the modes of mountain communication, when to seek assistance, and how to prepare for rescue.
Need to Know Understanding Heuristic Traps?
Make good outdoor decisions. Johnny Mulheron warns of, and describes, heuristic traps.
Stay aware A tragedy near Liverpool Biv
A 2008 tramping fatality near Liverpool Biv was a tragic reminder of some important lessons for backcountry travel.
Young Valley A preventable death
What lessons can be learnt from tragic 2015 drowning of a tramper on the Gillespie Pass circuit?
Tramping Safe travelling in the sub-alpine zone
Heading beyond the bush-line? What do you need to know, and practice, to travel competently and with style?
First Aid Treating hypothermia
The latest thinking on how to prevent, recognise and treat this challenging condition in the field
