Accident/Incident Database

20030221^?, 21 February 2003 12:00^?, Injury incident^? / Shoulder dislocation^?
Victim^?: NZ, Male
Location^?: West Coast/Taipo/Upper Taipo/Showcase^?

Class^?: IV+
Flow^?: 15-20cu , "Medium"
Boat Type^?: Kayak-Creek/Perception 'Java'
Trip Type^?: Private

Summary^?:

A paddler dislocates his left shoulder attempting to roll at the end of Showcase rapid. The kayaker does an offside roll and is helped to shore. A weighted helmet was slung from the wrist as the victim lay over a boulder, but the shoulder did not reduce. After muscle spasm set in, two of the party paddled out for assistance. Meanwhile the kayaker and companion hiked down to Mid-Taipo Hut. A helicopter provided transport to a nearby farm and from there transport was obtained to Greymouth Hospital where the shoulder was reduced under anaesthetic.

Discussion^?:

The group coped with the situation by applying first-aid (Recommendation 1.9 and Recommendation 1.17), then seeking outside assistance. The injured paddler hiked to a nearby hut so footwear was important (Recommendation 1.8).

Sources^?:
"An epic on the Taipo: A dislocated shoulder and more" by Kerry Hoglund, WWCC Newsletter, April 2003.

Reported by^?: Kerry Hoglund
Created: 2003-11-15, changed: 2003-11-15.