Letter: Seeing climber as a hero sends wrong message

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 | 9:11 a.m.

Aron Ralston's accident is a wakeup call to all outdoor enthusiasts. Ralston, an outdoorsman rock-climbing in Utah, somehow got pinned under an 800-pound boulder. Unable to free himself after spending five days alone in the wilderness, survival meant for him to personally remove a portion of his arm for freedom. The "Today Show" and other news media played up this incident as a person and hero having true grit.

Ralston, a member of a search and rescue team, could have possibly saved his arm if he had put to use what he learned and should be teaching others. Having a partner along could have meant being rescued in less than five days.

It's very commendable that he saved his own life as he did but, later, reality will set in. This is what can happen when not abiding by safety rules. Looking at him as a hero, rather than as an outdoor extremist, sends the wrong message to others.

Many climbers have been involved in accidents in our area and with loss of life. Even for some professionals, common sense is put aside. Safety classes tell you not to climb, hike, bicycle long distance, go boating or swim without a partner.

Always take water, a compass, a first-aid kit, snacks and a cellular phone. And, if outdoors is your main hobby, it could be lifesaving to carry a GPS locator and a two-way radio. I hope this message gets through to all outdoor enthusiasts.

To those extreme TV watchers who think they're macho -- trying extreme, idiotic situations -- no one is superhuman, only lucky at times. Use your brain and start thinking safety first.

CHARLES HAGEN