The Wearing of Helmets (21 Mar 2005)
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Whilst in Chamonix this summer it was interesting to note the increase in the wearing of helmets by the clients of UIAGM/IFMGA guides.In the last two years there hase been a sudden surge in the use of protective head gear amongst clients that is, apart from the ‘main man’ the guy who controls the safety of these clients i.e. the guide. Standing out like a sore thumb, the unhelmeted instructor/guide is still quite evident amongst the groups of now helmeted clients practicing, for example, ice climbing on the Mer de Glace.
Who looks after the clients if the instructor/guide falls/stumbles and receives a head injury? It happens/it has happended…
The increase in the wearing of helmets on the Gouter Ridge was also quite impressive this year. Even so, too many young people were killed in the infamous Gouter couloir on this section of Mont Blanc – once again last (2002) summer .
Even so, illustrations in BMC publications still insist in the main, on showing climbers not – wearing protective head gear (2005).
Category : Mountain Clients
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