Emergency Rescues in Austria

Article in Bergauf 01/2021 by Thomas Wanner and Markus Isser
translated and summarised by Irene Auerbach

If an accident has happened necessitating the rescue of one member of the group, the emergency phone call is not automatically the very first thing to do: first ensure the rest of the group is in a safe place.

If there are only two of you, first look after the injured person - stopping bleeding, digging in case of avalanche and performing CPR if required. However, if there is more than one person in need of help, particularly several covered by an avalanche, the emergency call should be made immediately, as the caller will not be able to cope alone.

If there’s no mobile reception, you’ve got to weigh up whether you can risk moving away a bit to find better reception (going uphill is usually more successful in this than heading downwards) or have to stay with the injured person.

What number to dial? In the Austrian mountains 140 is best because it takes you straight to mountain rescue. However, this will only work if you can use your own usual network provider. If there’s no reception for that, dial 112. When you dial this Europe-wide emergency number, your mobile will try connecting you to whatever is the strongest network available, regardless of your own provider. You will be speaking to the nearest police station, which means you’ll have to spend more time explaining what help is required than if, on 140, you’d got straight to the mountain rescue service. Also, if you happen to be near a national border, bear in mind that the strongest available signal may be from the neighbouring country, so be prepared for, at least initially, a language other than German. The other disadvantage of 140 is that “they” cannot ring you back, so you must make very sure to supply all the information the rescuers require. However, staff answering calls to that number have a clear list of questions, so just try to listen carefully and to follow instructions.

If you are unable to get a response, even with 112, then send a text (NOT a Whatsapp message) to 0800 133133. This is an emergency number for the deaf and will eventually also trigger off rescue. If even that proves impossible, use the traditional methods to attract attention: six flashes, whistles or shouts a minute, then a minute’s rest, then another six times, etc, for as long as there’s a chance of being noticed. Those who do notice will respond by signalling back, but three times per minute with one minute gaps.

Once help has been called, stay with the injured person and ensure (s)he is kept warm. If more than one helper is available, the others should look around for a suitable place for the helicopter to land, ideally a flat area of 15m x 15m. Get any loose objects like rucksacks and clothes out of the way: they might be blown away as the helicopter approaches or, rather worse, get sucked into its blades. When the helicopter approaches, one of you should adopt the “yes” position (see photo) with your back to the wind so that the helicopter pilot knows the wind direction. This helps the pilot, particularly in winter, when the blades may disturb snow, impeding visibility for the pilot. Stay put in this position so the pilot can land safely. Do not approach the helicopter unless the pilot indicates you should do so, and then approach from the front so that the pilot can see you.

Adopting the YES position, to guide in the helicopter

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