Reality of Risk

Instructor 'Near Miss'

Technically in the world of outdoor risk management, a ‘near miss’ means that no one was hurt or injured, but someone very easily could have been. (An example would be a rock whizzing by but not actually hitting anyone.) However, for the purposes of this news, I’m calling this situation a near miss because it could have been so much worse. 

Kevin Keckeisen took a lead fall while rock climbing. [There is a lot of technical jargon in rock climbing, but I will try to explain in layman’s terms.] As he was climbing, he put gear into the rock as an ‘anchor’ and then clipped his rope to the piece of gear. As you climb this way (called traditional climbing), you place more gear as you ascend, clipping your rope to it each time. Kevin had placed two pieces when he fell. One of the pieces came out, meaning he fell further. He did not hit the ground, but slammed into the rock face. He broke one ankle, and several bones in his other foot. He had to have surgery, and is now in recovery mode back home. 

It was an intense experience for Kevin, and his climbing partner, Matt, who had to carry him out to the vehicle. I met them at urgent care, and Kevin stayed with Tim and I for a few days before he got his travel arranged. I bring it up for several reasons. 1) This is one of the responsibilities that I carry at SROM- to help when it is needed. 2) Kevin was seriously injured, but it could have been much much worse. The situation highlights both the risk involved in outdoor pursuits, and the faithfulness of the Lord to protect. 

Reality of Risk

I work quite a bit with risk management here at SROM. Statistically speaking, SROM’s track record of relative safety (no deaths or life-altering injuries) does not make sense. After over 30 years in the industry, we ‘should’ have had this sort of crisis. Administratively we train for these types of events and crises, but we have not had to utilize this training. This is a miracle! We are a statistical anomaly. Although we train our staff, study risk management, strive for excellent administrative decisions, etc., etc., etc., ultimately I attribute our safety record to the Lord and to all the praying people behind this ministry. 

I could decide (or SROM could decide) that these activities are not worth the risk. I could decide to never go rock climbing or mountaineering again—but is that reasonable? Yes, there are risks involved, but it is far more dangerous for me to get in my car and drive to Colorado to see family. Kevin’s accident reminds me to be sober, to consider my actions, and to thank the Lord for each day that I have. It also reminds me of a quote on a card that my mom sent me years ago: 

“The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.” (Leo Buscaglia)