PRE-EXISTING INJURY

Washington, Mount Baker

On May 21, 1984, John Powell (34) was ice climbing as a member of the North Cascade Alpine School on the Coleman Glacier when he aggravated a previous back injury at the 1600 meter level. He was temporarily disabled and had to be carried out. (Source: G. R. Conway, Whatcom County Sheriffs Department)

(Editor’s Note: This description is provided as an illustration of a common problem in guided groups. Old knee and back injuries constitute the majority of pre-existing conditions which often result in evacuation. More often than not, clients do not inform guides of their injuries, even when a medical information form asks them to do so.)