We have a ground guy interested in learning to climb. We got him up a tree today, but the saddle we had him in was tugging at his insulin pump. Are there any climbers here who have had similar problems that could make a saddle or technique recommendation?
Sorry, should have clarified. He doesn't have much interest in becoming a full-on production climber. This is more so he can do some rec climbs with us. He might want to take down the occasional small tree in the future, but he's a long, LONG way from that. He just started using a chainsaw a few months ago and dropped his first big tree just last week, so he's nowhere close to using the saw aloft.Just putting it out there... You might consider rerouting the pump? Not sure.
Either way I'd be very cautious letting someone climb on a crew with no other rescue climbers if they're dependant on a constant stream of insulin
I believe he's Type 1. And everyone in the company is aware of his limitations, where his supplies are, and what to do in case of emergency. He's had a couple of hot, humid days where his pump has slid out and he's had to tap out for a bit. He's been living with it his whole life so we trust he knows what he's capable of.I am type 2 diabetic and have been for 20 years. My fault for getting to that point. Years of snickers and mountain dew for breakfast didnt help. As far as your guy goes, is he type one or type 2. That will make a difference. As far as the pump goes, the location on the body changes every week or less so that is a minor issue really. I see no reason why he couldn't do rec climbs and small tree work climbing with this condition. It would be best for you and all your crew to get an understanding of how his condition affects him and what you need to do in case he has a crash in blood sugar. How well he has things in control etc. My wife is a type 1 and is very brittle. The lowest her blood sugar has ever gone is 27. Normal is 90-105. Almost lost her that time. As a matter of crew safety it is best to discuss at a crew meeting so everyone has his back.