Climbing Safety

Question
I am currently doing a report on ice, rock, and wall climbing and since you are an expert wall and ice climber, i was wondering if you could tell me of any possible injuries or fatalities that may occur in either.  Also, any techniques or tools used to make each safer.  If you know of any websites or books that I could use on this subject, please letme know.  Thank-you -Alex

Answer
Ok to begin with, it would depend on the surrounding environment that you were climbing in and also the height you were climbing at.
   Snow and ice blindness is a frequent injury in ice climbing. Climbers often dont wear glasses for protection and are caught out when chipping away at the ice. The ice axe, is obviously incredibly sharp, and so there have been many accidents where climbers have cut themselves.
   In mountaineering, climbers often experience Pulmonary edema. This involves fluid accumulation and swelling in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is usually caused by heart failure that results in increased pressure in the pulmonary (lung) veins. However, problems within the lungs themselves can also result in fluid accumulation. This sikness occurs often at high altitude when climbers experience breathing difficulties due to the air being so thin. Pulmonary Edema can also be caused by direct lung injury, therefore can also be caused through a fatal fall.
    Im sure there are many other cases noted in climbing history of accidents in ice climbing, and i would recommend typing in 'injuries in climbing' into google and just browse a few sites.
   Broken fingers are a very injury in rock climbing. Climbers may slip and there hands get left in the hold they have grabbed onto. They also often trap legs and feet frequently.
   One major occurance is the rope breaking or becoming detatched. Climbers presume thay dont need to secure the rope further and it ends in disaster.
   If i was doing a report on injury in climbing, i would mention Joe Simpson. He has to be the most unlucky guy when it comes to injury. All his books talk about how he has seen and experienced falls and fatal injuries. He is deffinatly THE most accident prone guy in the climbing world i know of.
   I would also recommend watching (if u havent already seen it) Touching The Void. Deffinatly mention it in your talk. This is a film made from Joe Simpsons book and it is well worth watching for your report!!
   Ok well i hope i have helped!! Good Luck with your report and any other information you need i will be glad to help!!
XEMX