Hiking in the mountains is not without risk. You can get caught in a storm that changes the conditions of the hiking routes, hit a rock, or get caught in a storm.
An accident situation happens unexpectedly and it’s easy to panic. To prevent this from happening, you must be properly prepared for an emergency.
emergency equipment
Whether you’re on a daily hike, on a ski tour or climbing, standard emergency equipment is a must. This can be used to treat foot blisters and minor wounds and injuries. You should have these tools in your backpack:
- First aid kit: The set includes disinfectants for cleaning wounds, bandages, wounds and other ancillary medical supplies.
- light bivy sack: With a light weight of about 108 grams, the bivy sack can be of great help in an emergency. The sleeping bag is made of a similar material to the rescue blanket, but works better.
- mobile phone: Numerous apps can support you on your trek by tracking your direction or weather changes. In an emergency you can reach Rega on 1414 or with the Rega app.
- Flashlight or headlight: Especially in autumn, it gets dark early in the mountains. It’s easier to find your way in the dark with a flashlight or headlight.
Using a cell phone: who to call?
by number 1414 In an emergency, you can reach Rega. You can try the number without cell phone reception 112 Choose. This is the Europe-wide number for emergency services. Anyone can call this emergency number for free, regardless of their landline.
When you reach out to a rescue organization, you try to provide information about the emergency as quickly as possible. The following questions will help you provide detailed information:
- Who is calling? This means information about the contact and callback options.
- Where is the emergency?
- How many people were injured?
- What happened?
- What types of injuries are there?
If there is no reception or the cell phone battery is empty, you can try to attract attention with the alpine emergency signal. A signal consisting of lights, shouts or whistles is made six times a minute. Then you take a break for one minute and repeat the process. With the Alpine emergency signal, you try to attract the attention of other hikers, climbers or people in the valley.
provide first aid
In an emergency it is important to remain calm and not panic. The first thing you should do is make sure you are safe before helping.
The scene of the accident is then secured, marked and protected from possible danger. Now check if the casualty is sensitive and conscious. If unconscious, pay attention to the person’s breathing. If he’s breathing, put him in the recovery position and call 911.
For people going on mountaineering or adventurous hikes, mountain biking routes or climbing routes, it is definitely worth attending a first aid course to refresh their knowledge regularly.