This year, 184 accidents have already occurred un the mountains, compared to 143 in the same period last year, mostly because of an increasing number of visitors. The authorities are trying to reduce this number by launching preventive programs; they have been giving advice to visitors throughout the year.

In the case of an accident, dial 112
If you get injured in the mountains and need the assistance of mountain rescue teams, dial 112. "We urge hikers to call mountain rescue to avoid more serious injuries or situations of worsening weather resulting in more difficult rescues. If nothing else, mountain rescuers will help you find your bearings if you get lost or stuck," explains Matjaž Šerkezi of the Mountain Rescue Association. He adds: "If you are the first person at the scene of an accident, take care of the injured hiker first to avoid further injuries. Then provide first aid to the best of your ability, protect the injured person from the cold, and call 112."

Have a map and a flashlight in your backpack
In addition to a headlamp, gloves, and a hat, backpacks should include a first aid kit, which can save lives, a map, and a compass. "Map apps are useful outdoors, because they can show our location at any time. As an important source of information, they prevent people from getting lost. However, a physical map should always accompany our phones," stresses Šerkezi."Don't forget food and drinks in your backpack, as well as an extra set of clothes, because snow can still be found in the mountains in July and August."

Those heading abroad should have insurance, since the cost of mountain rescues, which can be high, is not covered by the pan-European health insurance card.

Ksenja Tratnik
Translated by J. B.