Mountain Safety: prevention, injuries and Alpine Rescue

The mountains are an extraordinary place that attracts millions of people each year, whether for recreational activities or extreme sports. However, despite their natural beauty, the mountain environment also poses various risks and dangers. For this reason, proper preparation and thorough knowledge of potential issues are essential to ensuring safe and rewarding experiences. In this article, we will explore the main injuries that occur in the mountains and the most common causes of accidents. We will also explain how rescue operations are carried out, the basics of first aid, and the importance of self-rescue techniques. Additionally, we will discuss the use of modern technologies to request assistance.

Main Types of Mountain Injuries

According to data from the Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS), 12,349 mountain rescue operations were recorded in 2023. The main causes of these incidents are diverse:

1. Falls: Responsible for 45.9% of injuries, falls often result in sprains and fractures, particularly in the ankles and knees. These accidents primarily occur during activities such as hiking.
2. Health Issues: Mountain weather conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous. Heat or cold strokes, as well as altitude-related problems like mountain sickness, hypertension, and nausea, account for 12% of injuries. These conditions pose significant health risks, especially for those unprepared to handle sudden weather changes.
3. Weather-Related Accidents: Mountain environments can experience rapid weather changes, endangering those outdoors. Sudden deteriorations in weather conditions can cause disorientation and, in extreme cases, serious accidents due to loss of visibility or freezing temperatures.

Most rescue operations involve hikers, with a particularly high rate of incidents among those who are not adequately prepared, either physically or technically. The main causes of these injuries often include underestimating risks, lack of knowledge about the mountain environment, physical and psychological factors and inadequate equipment.

Injuries Related to Winter Sports

Unlike extreme sports, where preparation is critical and improvisation is nearly nonexistent, the often reckless and unprepared approach to hiking contributes to a significant number of injuries. In these activities, the trend in accidents remains high, while in more extreme sports, careful preparation and planning significantly reduce risks.

The sports with the highest risk of injury include alpine skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. According to data from the National Institute of Health, those practicing alpine skiing are more prone to lower limb injuries (over 50% of cases), particularly to the knee, while upper limb injuries are less common. Snowboarders, on the other hand, are more prone to upper limb injuries, especially shoulder dislocations and wrist fractures, with fewer lower limb injuries.

Main Causes

• 10% of incidents are caused by collisions between skiers.
• For those practicing cross-country skiing, an endurance sport with a low percentage of acute injuries, the main cause is overuse of the knees and ankles, leading to acute or chronic tendon issues.
• Accidents on ski slopes are often due to fatigue.
• Snow scarcity also demands caution, as practicing sports like skiing and snowboarding becomes even more dangerous.

Requesting Mountain Rescue

When in trouble in the mountains, calling for rescue can make all the difference. If possible, use 112, the European Emergency Number. Alternatively, call 118 and request CNSAS activation. Staying calm is essential. During the call, it is important to provide clear and precise information, such as:

• Exact location of the incident;
• Activity being performed;
• Number of injured people and their conditions;
• Weather conditions at the scene;
• Phone number used to make the call.

Localization Systems

In case of signal loss or dead cell phones, systems like Recco and Artva are used to locate missing persons. The Recco is a small plate with an integrated antenna and diode found in many pieces of equipment, detectable by a helicopter sonar up to 80 meters away. The Artva is an electronic device required in many ski resorts that emits signals in case of an avalanche. Alternatively, the 112 SMS Locator service allows users to send a text message with a link that automatically transmits the caller’s GPS coordinates to the operations center. Though less precise, it is available in some regions where access to the Central Response Unit (CUR) via the “Where are U” app is also possible, enabling GPS position sharing without speaking.

CNSAS – National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps

When faced with severe difficulties in the mountains, the CNSAS intervenes as a vital part of the National Civil Protection Service. Specializing in challenging and remote environments, CNSAS operators are highly trained to respond to extreme conditions, from avalanches to high-altitude accidents. Their commitment extends beyond emergency management to accident prevention.

Types of Rescue and Technology for Saving Lives

Mountain rescue operations rely on various methods. Helicopter rescue is the main approach, activated when the injured person is in hard-to-reach areas or critical situations. Helicopter interventions are always classified as high-risk, and people present must follow specific rules to facilitate the rescue. During landing:

• Clear the area of items like backpacks or clothing that could be lifted by the wind generated by the rotors.
• Move away from the landing zone to a safe area.
• Avoid approaching the helicopter during or after landing.

In addition to helicopters, technology is transforming mountain rescue. Drones, for instance, provide significant
advantages: they are less affected by atmospheric conditions than helicopters and can quickly access inaccessible areas. Equipped with thermal cameras, they can locate missing persons or avalanche victims through infrared body radiation. Furthermore, they can transport small loads such as radios, thermal blankets, or medications to the accident site.

In critical situations, such as cardiac arrest, drones equipped with defibrillators are a vital resource, capable of reaching isolated areas within 15–20 minutes. Alongside drones, new tools like e-bikes and sledges for snow transport are further improving rescue efficiency. These innovations not only speed up interventions but also make mountain rescue safer and more accessible, even in extreme conditions.

First Aid Techniques

Basic knowledge of first aid can make a significant difference while waiting for specialized help. Even without advanced medical tools, simple but effective procedures can be performed to assess the injured person’s condition and intervene in life-threatening emergencies, such as airway obstruction or respiratory arrest. Before intervening, however, it is essential to ensure the environment is safe for both the injured person and the rescuer, avoiding additional risks or complications.

Self-Rescue

Very often, accidents that occur in the mountains are minor, such as a sprain, a cut, or an illness—situations that we can handle and manage independently without requiring the assistance of mountain rescue. In these cases, it is crucial to know how to intervene without panicking, equipped with the right tools and basic first aid knowledge.

A good first aid kit is essential for dealing with any kind of accident. It should include essential items like band-aids, bandages, wound dressings, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medication, and cold spray, which are indispensable for stopping bleeding, relieving pain, and treating minor injuries. Another key element is advance planning. Before undertaking any activity in the mountains or isolated environments, it’s crucial to have a map, know exactly where you are, and, if possible, avoid venturing alone on particularly dangerous routes.

When an emergency occurs, the first step is to ensure the area is safe. Intervening in an unstable zone, such as after an avalanche or in the presence of landslide-prone terrain, could endanger the lives of those trying to help.

If the situation appears under control and does not require external rescue intervention, it is possible to manage the emergency independently. It’s important to assess the overall condition of the injured person: ensure they are breathing properly, are alert, and do not have severe bleeding. If the person is conscious and shows no signs of immediate danger, you can proceed to treat the specific injury, stabilizing the affected area.

Conclusions

The mountains, if approached with awareness, can offer unique and unforgettable experiences. However, preparation to face unforeseen circumstances is essential. From injury prevention to basic first aid knowledge, every step is crucial to reducing risks and enjoying the mountains safely. The adoption of modern technologies and self-rescue training are factors that can make the difference between a severe accident and timely and adequate emergency management.