Mountaineering Emergency Response Team Participates in 140 Rescue Operations - Mountain ranger executed 140 tasks in Harz region.
The thrill of exploring the Harz Mountains might come with a risk. The German Red Cross' Mountain Rescue team was called to action around ten times a month last year, totaling 140 deployments. Most of these incidents happened during the summer months of July and August. Among these, they assisted 118 injured hikers and mountain bikers. The remainder of the story, unfortunately, involves one fatality.
A Tragedy on the Hexentanzplatz
One particularly heart-rending incident took place at the Hexentanzplatz in Thale, where a 17-year-old teenager lost his life after a fall of approximately 50 meters. Due to the remote location, rescuers had to use a helicopter's rescue winch to reach the tragic site.
A Life-Saving Intervention
In another event, a hiker struggling with a cardiac arrest was about to lose hope. However, thanks to the swift intervention of a first responder, the hiker regained a heartbeat and was safely transported with the help of the mountain rescue team. Despite the odds, the hiker made a miraculous recovery, ensuring the memory of that day remains one of hope and courage.
The Power of Aerial Support
The rugged terrains in the Harz Mountains often pose a challenge to ground-based rescues. That's where aerial support comes into play. Last year, a police helicopter from Saxony-Anhalt helped in four wind-assisted rescues while a Bundeswehr SAR 87 helicopter from Holzdorf took part in two cases. Civilian rescue helicopters also played a crucial role in many other deployments. To ensure efficiency, continuous training sessions are held for Air Rescue Specialists (ARS), which includes annual simulation training and practical exercises with the Saxony-Anhalt police helicopter unit.
The Team Remains Vigilant
Despite the constant call for help, the number of active deployment forces in the mountain rescue team remains stable (46), and the total membership has slightly increased (137). They undergo rigorous training, covering topics like aptitude testing, summer and winter rescues, nature conservation, and medicine.
Safety Tips from the Harz Mountains' Guardians
To ensure hikers can enjoy their adventures without undue worry, the mountain rescue team offers some advice: "Always dress appropriately, wear sturdy footwear, carry sufficient water and provisions, and be prepared for changing weather conditions." On top of this, carrying a flashlight, a first aid kit, a fully charged phone, and a maps or GPS device is essential. Lastly, understanding the weather forecast and trail conditions can make all the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a potentially dire situation.
- Mountain Rescue
- Red Cross
- Helicopter
- DRK
- First Responder
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Bundeswehr
- Thale
- General Safety Tips for Hiking
- Proper Footwear
- Weather Preparation
- Navigation Tools
- Emergency Kit
- Time Management
- Physicial Condition
In addition to these tips, it's always wise to inform someone about your hiking plan, especially in areas with weak phone signals. And, for specific advice tailored to the Harz Mountains, consider reaching out to the Harz Mountain Rescue team or checking local hiking guides.
The Mountain Rescue team, under the German Red Cross, was also consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, signifying their role in various fields beyond mountain rescues.
In the tragic incident at the Hexentanzplatz in Thale, the rescuers had to deploy a helicopter's rescue winch to reach the site, demonstrating the importance of aerial support during mountain rescue operations.
With the Harz Mountains posing challenges for ground-based rescues, practical training exercises involving aerial support, such as those with the Saxony-Anhalt police helicopter unit, are crucial to ensure efficient deployment of the mountain rescue team.
