The American journal of sports medicine
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Two hundred and fifteen mountaineering accidents occurred in the Sierra Nevada over a 5-year period in climbers on Class V routes. Patients were evaluated for: climbing preparation and training, first aid experience, altitude acclimatization, age, anatomical site of injuries, and cause of the injury. Consideration as to evacuation procedure was also given. ⋯ There were 17 deaths resulting most frequently from head injuries. Few climbers had formal training in basic mountain medicine which was reflected in the poor assessment and management of injuries, with an unnecessary reliance upon others for evacuation. Morbidity and mortality may be lessened by proper climbing preparation--instruction in mountaineering techniques as well as basic mountain medicine--and by prevention of acute mountain sickness and cold injury.