My avocation of a life outdoors has taught me many lessons. As Editor of Accidents in North American Mountaineering for 40 years and having been asked to investigate over 60 accidents involving a variety of venues in all seasons—climbing, hiking, ropes courses, river crossings, etc.—I have developed a system for analyzing mishaps that have happened in adventure activities.

We will examine some classic case studies, ranging from guided climbs to Boy Scouts of America, from individual climbers to organized programs, and more. Accidents happen in outdoor pursuits and will continue to do so because risk is always involved. Learning how to prevent life-threatening or disabling injuries is a skill we all seek to hone.

Through this course, participants will come to understand how to use a prevention matrix to examine cases and hopefully helped prevent some accidents.