Unite in a Group, Maintain Unity within the Group
In a media release dated December 12, 2021, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) expressed their condolences to the family and tramping partners of Aleksandr Tsygankov, a 40-year-old man who lost his life in a tramping incident in 2019 at Arthurs Pass. The coroner's report on the incident highlighted the significance of group cohesion and communication in preventing such tragedies.
The MSC's recommendations to avoid tramping fatalities from separating from a group, as outlined in the coroner's report on Tsygankov's case, include:
- Stay together as a group: Group separation significantly increases the risk of accidents and fatalities, making it crucial for trampers to stick together.
- Plan and communicate the route and expected timing: Clear planning and communication among all group members can prevent anyone from becoming lost or isolated.
- Carry appropriate navigation tools and know how to use them: Navigation tools can help individuals find their way back safely if separation occurs.
- Develop strong group management and decision-making skills: Strong group management and decision-making skills ensure that all parties are accounted for throughout the trip.
- Acquire and use training in backcountry skills and avalanche awareness: Training in backcountry skills and avalanche awareness can increase safety understanding and preparedness.
These recommendations form part of the broader safety advice issued by the MSC after fatal incidents that involved group separation. Although the search results focus largely on backcountry skiing safety and avalanche courses, these principles also apply to tramping groups to prevent incidents like Tsygankov’s.
The coroner’s report specifically underlined that Tsygankov was separated from his party, which contributed to the fatal outcome. This reinforces the importance of the Mountain Safety Council’s advice to remain together and maintain clear communication.
It's also worth noting that 38% of tramping fatalities are due to the 'goal focused' heuristic, according to recent research by the MSC. This heuristic trap often leads to moving faster due to a lack of time, which is often a wrong decision, especially early in the day. It's advisable to have a Plan B and regularly evaluate progress during tramping trips.
If unsure of location or unable to navigate high-consequence terrain, consider options, stay warm, and use emergency communication devices. Group equipment such as maps and communications devices should be accessible to all members. Moving faster due to lack of time is often a wrong decision, especially early in the day. It's advisable to have a Plan B and regularly evaluate progress during tramping trips.
Incidents like Tsygankov's serve as a grim reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines when embarking on tramping journeys. N. Watson took the header photo in the Crow Valley. For further queries, data, or photos, contact Rebekah Wilson at rebekah.wilson@our website.
[1] Coroner's report on Aleksandr Tsygankov's case [2] New Zealand Mountain Safety Council media release [3] Recent research by the MSC on tramping fatalities [4] Information on backcountry skills and avalanche awareness courses endorsed by the NZ Mountain Safety Council [5] Broader safety advice issued by the NZ Mountain Safety Council after fatal incidents involving group separation
- Adhering to the Mountain Safety Council's recommendations, such as staying together and planning routes, can help prevent fatalities related to tramping separations, as demonstrated in the case of Aleksandr Tsygankov.
- Ignoring safety guidelines, including moving faster due to a lack of time or ignoring a Plan B, contributes to incidents like Tsygankov's, underscoring the significance of sporting activities like tramping in maintaining clear communication and following safety rules.
