No one wants to die! An end of life in the wild can be the scariest. This is why outdoor sports need to be careful and alert when afield or afloat. Life is too precious to allow yourself, friends, or loved ones to perish in our wild places.
Each outdoor recreation destination has its dangers. Any place near water means drowning risks. Heights means falling. Wild places also mean critter challenges.
Keep in mind that our predator populations are growing, while their habitat is being encroached upon. Sharks were getting wiped out for their fins or meat. Overseas longliners and netters really took their toll on sharks and other fisheries. Once legal protections were put into place, sharks are bouncing back. This means more sharks feeding in the shallows where there are more people.
Predator populations of wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and other predators are also on the rise, due to protections.
Worst case scenarios.
Being eaten Carnivores eat meat. Humans are soft skin bags filled with water.
Being bitten Bites can tear skin and muscle. Bacteria in predators’ teeth can cause massive infections. A Bears jaws can crush a bowling ball.
Being infected Treatment after a bite or attack can be worse due to bacterial infections.
Suffocating A crushed windpipe, lack of air underwater, or in a confined space means a breathless situation.
Drowning Even good swimmers drown or go into shock in cold water. It takes just a tablespoon of water to cause a person to drown.
Falling This may not be a big deal until the landing.
Crushing Fallen rocks, trees, or fast water will crush and compress.
Shock Every accident will have shock involved. That’s why emergency professionals always treat victims for shock.
Burning Burnt skin, lungs, electrical burns are all painful and will leave a mark.
Oceans Sharks, jellyfish, drowning, rip tides, or other concerns
Deserts and open plains Snakes, spiders, and other critters can be deadly.
Parks and wildlands. Big wild beasts lurk in the open. Buffalo, bears, moose, elk, wolves, coyotes, and many more can ruin your day.
Getting to and from destinations means traffic dangers. Mountain bikes, skiing, hiking, wheelers, and jogging all could lead to fatal outcomes.
The most common way to die in the wild is drowning. Non swimmers or injured victims may not be able to swim. Once in the cold water, Hypothermia can lead to shock or death. Getting lost without the right gear can also lead to hypothermia. Falling from ice climbing and rock climbing takes their fatal toll.
People are mortal and fragile. We have a choice as to what we do and don’t do. Taking risks can be fun but also increases the odds of injury or worse. If aliens described us as living beings, they would say that we are Bags of water.
Live long and prosper!
Montana Grant
