Search and rescue activity on Denali, 1990 to 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To describe search and rescue activity performed by the National Park Service (NPS) on Denali, the highest point in North America. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all search and rescue (SAR) operations by the NPS from 1990 to 2008. Descriptive analysis was used to describe these cases as well as chi-square and logistic regression analysis to determine which mountaineers were more likely to require a rescue. RESULTS: During the study period, 1.16% of all Denali climbers required NPS SAR response. The majority of medical cases (68.9%) were due to high altitude and cold injuries, and the majority of traumatic cases (76.2%) resulted from a fall. Mountaineers that attempt routes other than the standard West Buttress route are more likely to require rescue. Climbers are 3% more likely to require a rescue with each year of advancing age. Similarly, mountaineers from Asia are more likely to require a rescue (odds ratio = 4.1), although this trend has diminished in the past decade. CONCLUSIONS: Mountaineers and rescuers should educate themselves on the environmental, logistical, and medical origins of Denali rescues. Certain demographic groups on certain routes are more likely to require a rescue on Denali. Rescuers should be aware of these groups and have the knowledge and capabilities to care for the medical issues that are common on SAR responses.