The Epidemiology of Extreme Hiking Injuries in Volcanic Environments

Extreme hiking in volcanic environments, particularly in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, poses significant risks due to the inexperience of hikers and their unfamiliarity with volcanic hazards. Studies highlight common injuries such as respiratory irritation from volcanic gases, dehydration, and extremity injuries like scrapes, lacerations, and thermal burns, ranging from treat-and-release incidents to fatalities. The research underscores a critical gap in epidemiological data from other volcanic destinations and the need for preventive strategies to mitigate injury occurrence and severity.

Heggie, T. W., & Heggie, T. M. (2012). The Epidemiology of Extreme Hiking Injuries in Volcanic Environments. Epidemiology of Injury in Adventure and Extreme Sports, 130–141. https://doi.org/10.1159/000338721