PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO WILDERNESS ACCIDENTS - Medicine for Mountaineering and Other Wilderness Activities - page 46

age … and (of a) renewal of a reverence and deep appreciation of the gift of life.” Finally,
he tells of a heightened sense of self-definition, of altering his concept of death, and of
coming torealize that he“must make the most ofeach encounter,each meeting” as aresult
of his experience.
Taylor recommends to rescuers the therapeutic use of concern, small talk, encourage-
ment, and infectious optimism.
SELECTION OF RESCUERS
Physical condition, interest, and enthusiasm alone are not adequate qualifications for wil-
derness rescuers. In addition to technical expertise and support persons who are the same
gender as the individuals involved in the accident, members of rescue teams should have
the following characteristics:
A reasonable personality that is not excitable, impulsive, or prone to harbor anger
The ability to initiate actions
The ability to cooperatively follow others
Attentiveness to details of procedure and equipment
A sense of humor
Empathy; ability to feel for another's plight without being overwhelmed
Optimism, although prepared for the worst
The ability to minimize or shelve worry or fear and yet be able to accept those feelings
as normal several days. During this ordeal his thoughts and
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REFERENCES
1 . Lamers, W. Death, Dying and Bereavement . Symposium, Stockholm, Sweden. 20
June 1982. (Reproduced by permission.)
2 . Smutek, R. Good morning, I'm your guest victim for today. Off Belay , February
1978. (Quoted by permission of the author and publisher.)
3 . Taylor, R. The Breach: Kilimanjaro and the Conquest of Self . New York, Coward,
McCann, and Geoghegan, 1981. (Quoted by permission of the author and publisher.)