Tips for Safe Hiking in Late Summer and Fall

"As beautiful as the view from the summit is, the risks are just as great if you set off unprepared. Sudden weather changes, improper footwear, or overestimating one's own fitness repeatedly lead to dangerous situations," says ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek. Just last year, nearly 740 people had to be rescued by the ÖAMTC air rescue using hoist operations from difficult terrain after accidents. "Good tour planning, appropriate equipment, and knowing how to act correctly in an emergency can save lives."

Planning and equipment are essential for the hike

Acting correctly in mountain emergencies

In an emergency, every minute counts. Staying calm is important, as is activating the rescue chain. In Austria, the emergency numbers are 140 for alpine emergencies and 144 for rescue. To assist rescuers, you can draw attention to yourself by shouting, using light signals, or waving with conspicuous clothing. Before a mountain tour, you should inform a trusted person of the route and return time. Sports and leisure accidents in the Alps account for about eleven percent of the ÖAMTC emergency helicopter missions, with rescues in high alpine terrain being particularly challenging. Important: During a helicopter operation, secure the landing site, keep people away, and remove loose objects. Signaling for help is done by raising both arms in a Y position; one arm up means no help is needed. When landing, make eye contact with the pilot and approach only after their signal. In difficult terrain, a hoist operation often takes place, where the emergency doctor and air rescuer are brought directly to the accident site. More tips can be found here.

(Red)

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