Have you ever wondered how search and rescue works when there is an emergency, as well as who exactly pays for their efforts? LandSAR Dunedin volunteer, Matteo Scoz, breaks down the two coordination authorities for search and rescue, how they are funded and the prevailing philosophy that guides these incredible organisations and their teams.
Completion of the Great Walks may lead less experienced trampers into a false sense of security, resulting in some attempting backcountry tracks beyond their skill sets. After finishing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Abel Tasman Coastal Track, a young tourist sets off on the Cascade Saddle in Mt Aspiring National Park. Under snow cover, Cascade Saddle is a serious alpine crossing that requires outdoor competence and proper equipment. Johnny Mulheron discusses the tragic details behind this solo tramper's fatal fall in winter conditions and what lessons we can take away.
“What may seem to be a safe situation is only one mis-step away from catastrophe.” In an alpine environment, even one small error can lead to a life or death situation. A false sense of security coupled with an unfortunate event results in a tragic outcome for one mountaineer on Mount Ruapehu.
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.
Would you be prepared to make the same decision if you were alone? The impact of group dynamics, including polarisation and ‘risk-shift,’ can lead to life-threatening circumstances in the backcountry. Nick Plimmer examines a real-life situation where a party of four trudges on despite poor conditions, resulting in a 100 vertical metres fall into the plunge pool of a waterfall and an extremely close call.
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.
In 1934, two Canterbury University Tramping Club members were the subjects of an intense search after not reaching their destination. Shaun Barnett compiles their stories found in multiple newspapers from the period, in which the men recount their harrowing ordeal.
A hunting trip results in tragedy after a hunter misidentifies his target. Nick Plimmer and Johnny Mulheron explore the events surrounding this terrible loss and share essential guidelines for accident prevention.
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.
After successfully skiing the entire east face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, an accomplished backcountry skier attempts the Caroline Face and tragically passes away after an equipment failure. Matteo Scoz offers tips on gear checks and how to properly transition between modes of travel to avoid disastrous consequences.
In this historical news article from 1927, an Evening Post journalist examines the recent rise in mountaineering and river-work accidents and the personal stories behind them.
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.
A lost packraft, flooded rivers, wetsuit tramping and SAR callouts: a reflection and analysis of an ill-fated paddling trip to the Waiohine Gorge.
The prospect of changes to NZ's regional helicopter services hits close to home for new FMC Executive member, Sarah Tiong.
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.
Much can be learnt from careful analysis of Backcountry Accidents. Shaun Barnett details the history and thinking of the FMC Backcountry Accidents column.
Tramping New Zealand's Great Walks off-season requires a range of backcountry skills.
What lessons can be taken away from the 2013 Mt Taranaki tragedy? Nick Plimmer considers the unfortunate events.
A 2008 tramping fatality near Liverpool Biv was a tragic reminder of some important lessons for backcountry travel.
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