[Soulfrk]

An interesting hypothetical came up while on a hike with a buddy last weekend;

Two people hiking on a infrequently traveled trail are 4 miles from the road when one of them becomes unconscious. The person who is still conscious checks for vitals and determines the person to be stable, but can not wake them up.

Should they leave the unconscious hiker in the recovery position and hike out to get help or stay with them until they regain consciousness?

[dudley]

I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving someone unconscious in the 'wilderness'
I'd wait for help, expected or not.

[Majer:Danjer]

No man left behind, that's how I'd play it. Granted your partner may be stable now but things could change upon your departure. This is the exact reason for the buddy system. And why when traveling in the wilderness it is always wise to let atleast one person know your expected route and completetion time. This way, eventually someone will be advised that there is a problem and help will have a better chance of finding you if they know your general whereabouts. There is always the chance that one person in need of rescue could become two if in your haste something happens on your trip back to the road.

It's good practice when traveling in the backcountry to always carry survival items such as waterproof matches, a whistle, a mirror for signaling and of course a first aid kit. Be prepared for the unexpected out there.

Great topic, I'm very interested to see what others would do in this situation.

[mike48]

Interesting question. I think you would need more info. Does someone know where you are, and when to expect you? What are their instructions if you are late, and how much longer will it be before help can be expected? What are the weather conditions?

I’m not sure but I believe in a first aid situation, if required assistance can not reasonably be expected, you are supposed to stabilize the victim, than go for help.

[fishmonger]

Lots of variables here. I would be inclined to stay with the victim, 4 miles is a long distance out and back.

Good topic though. Over the weekend I found myself watching a PBS program that was a lecture by Michael Sandel, a Harvard professor that just released a new book. It's called Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? It studies topics like Is Torture Ever Justified, or Would you let someone die to save 100 lives. It's more of a philosophical discussion than a practical one obviously, but interesting nonetheless.

[Soulfrk]

Good replies.

I think the consensus seems to be stay with your buddy. The variables of the past weekend would have been; My trip plan left with my Girlfriend asked for help to be called in if she hadn't heard from me by 8:00pm. The conversation came up when he almost took a tumble around 10am, so he would have had to be unconscious and untreated for over 12 hours. Had I hiked out for help I could have probably returned within 5 or 6 hours. We didn't see anyone on the trail all day so it's possible no other hikers would have passed us while waiting for a rescue.

A couple of great points people have made that i've discussed this with.

What if something happens to you while hiking out in a hurry?
What if critters take an interest in your helpless friend?
What if he wakes up and is disoriented (presumably from trauma) and doesn't see or acknowledge the note pined to his jacket, or wanders into the woods?

I asked his wife what she would want me to do if it ever happened and she said "drag his ass out of the woods, I cooked roast beef for dinner!"

Kidding aside; I don't think I would leave. I'd keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't get cold and stays dry while I wait for him to wake up, or a rescue team to arrive.

I'm think I'm going to email Fish and Game and A NH SAR group to see if there is a SOP for this kind of thing.