First aid knowledge of alpine mountaineers.

Objective: The study evaluates the knowledge of first aid in mountaineerers who climb routes of moderate difficulty in the western Alps. Additionally the mountaineer's ability to assess their own knowledge was investigated. An analysis of the mountain accidents in the same area showed the real need for knowledge.

Design: An investigation of a cohort of mountaineers who reached Margherita Hut (4559 m, Monte Rosa; n=283; 17 questions with five answers each (11 themes)).

Results: Knowledge in general is poor. Best results were obtained in relation to cardiac emergencies, altitude sickness, and hypovolaemic shock, and worst resulted with hypothermia, traumatic injuries, treatment of pain and management of emergencies. Although traumatic injuries represent about 50% of mountain accidents in the region, there was a general lack of basic knowledge on this subject. Self-assessment of the individuals level of knowledge and their need for further education was inadequate. Differences between sex, age, nationality, mountaineering professional experience (medical education) are discussed.

Conclusion: First aid education of mountaineers must be improved. Adequate education should take into account the specific demands of alpine emergencies.