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Helmets in an era of laissez-faire haute couture 21-Sep-2006 At 3:50:24 PM tbp79

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Although i'm a regular photo gawker to this website, this is my first post on this forum as i generally have very little to offer the climbing community by way of information. However, the chance to discuss the helmet issue has obviously proven irresistible.

Judging by previous posts, we've obviously established that it is every climbers 'right' to choose to wear or not wear a helmet. However the old adage "with rights, come responsibilities" seems to have more of a place in this issue than originally thought.

If climbers who chose not to wear a helmet were the only people in the world, then in the likely event of an accident and serious injury, they would just grit their teeth, suck it up and say "don't worry about me, i'll be fine, was my choice not to wear a helmet anyway". All the while bearing little consequence for anybody else because everyone else in this world thinks the same way.

Unfortunately/fortunately, we live in a world that has people that feel the need to help others when sick, injured or dying. So in the event that a non helmet person injures themselves, regardless of what their opinions of safety and helmets are, these other people are inadvertently going to be drawn into this situation of rescue/repair and recovery that could very well have been prevented IF the injured person had thought outside themselves just for a while......mmm…..is this long winded story drawing a point yet??

Regardless of whether you choose to wear a helmet or not, your choice ultimately has a bearing on those around you. So if you don't wear a helmet, and injure yourself severely because of this action, then spare a thought for the people that are going out of their way to rescue you, patch your brain back up, and make sure you stay alive to see another climb session. These helpers didn't ask to have their time taken up in trying to make sure you survive, they just came to help because that's what thoughtful people do when others need help......AND they are thoughtful because they've taken precious care of the organ that gives them the capacity to do so.

Sounds drastic i know. I am referred to as the cardigan wearing climber when i take my friends out for some rock time.....but the lesson is simple. A little bit of outward thought could go a long way in making sure everyone's day at the rock has maximum enjoyment with minimal risk.

Till next time, Stay Safe and keep enjoying God’s country!!