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Tree Stand Fatalities Set Record for 2010/11 Hunting Season
Air Evac Lifeteam Stars in PSA
by Cody Cothron photos: Dana Maxfi eld
Five tree stand fatalities hit Alabama during the 2010/11 hunting season. That set a disturbing record for a state with deep ties to the hunting industry. To add to the fatalities, there were 15 reported tree stand accidents that resulted in life threatening inju- ries that required ALS transport.
Air Evac Lifeteam Base 64 Flight nurse Jenni- fer Cothron answered two of the state’s four fatalities. In all four of the fatalities, none were wearing a safety harness. Jennifer is an avid bow hunter on her off days and was really touched by the injuries from a hobby that is loved by so many. When asked why she believed the hunters did not wear safety har- nesses, “I believe hunters don’t slow down long enough to see that it’s a real priority or they have the sad mentality that ‘it will not happen to me,’” Jennifer stated.
Jennifer decided to make contact with John Louk, Tree Stand Manufactures Association Executive Director, and the two have set out to put a stop to tree stand accidents. With the help of Air Evac Lifeteam, TMA, Outdoor Alabama, and Alabama Department of Conservation a Public Service Announcement will air in the fall of 2011 prior to hunting season that will hopefully “hit home” to the hunters that do not wear a safety harness. “Air Evac 64 has stepped up and has been very helpful with their time and resources to help deter these tragic accidents,” said John Louk, TMA Executive Director.
Flight Nurse Jennifer Cothron said she feels that the audience will listen to the PSA because it is given from the per- spective of the average working hunter and not a paid pro-staffer. The PSA depicts a sleepy
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