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Mountaineering fatalities on Aconcagua: 2001-2012
Jeffrey Westensee1, Ignacio Rogé, Jon D Van Roo
11 Central Michigan University College of Human Medicine , Saginaw, Michigan.
High Altitude Medicine & Biology
|September 14, 2013
Summary
Aconcagua
Area of Science:
- High-altitude mountaineering
- Expedition medicine
- Climbing safety
Background:
- High altitude mountaineering presents significant risks due to hypoxia, extreme weather, and skill demands.
- Aconcagua, at 6962 m, is the highest peak outside Asia and attracts over 3000 climbers annually via its popular nontechnical route.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the fatality rate on Aconcagua between 2001 and 2012.
- To compare Aconcagua's fatality rate with other major peaks.
- To analyze demographic data, causes, and circumstances of fatalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive analysis of data from the Servicio Médico Aconcagua (park medical service).
- Examination of 42,731 mountaineering attempts and 33 associated fatalities from 2001 to 2012.
Main Results:
- Aconcagua's fatality rate was calculated at 0.77 per 1000 climbers (0.077%).
- This rate is lower than Mount Everest and Denali but higher than Mount Rainier.
- Available data on deceased climbers' demographics and causes of death were compiled.
Conclusions:
- Aconcagua presents a lower fatality risk compared to Everest and Denali.
- The fatality rate on Aconcagua is higher than Mount Rainier.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for high-altitude mountaineering safety.
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