Harz mountain rescue service: Hundreds of missions every year - safety when hiking important!

Harz mountain rescue service: Hundreds of missions every year - safety when hiking important!

Thale, Deutschland - The idyllic mountain landscape of the Harz is attracted to numerous hiking friends and adventurers every year. But despite the picturesque backdrop, caution is required. As reported by the Harzer mountain rescue service, there were 44 missions in the first half of 2023 to help hikers in emergencies. Of which 27 missions were made in Wernigerode and 17 in Thale. Dangerous situations are not uncommon, and according to the mountain rescue service, many visitors are often unprepared - a fact that presents the rescue workers with great challenges.

like news38.de reports hikers and cyclists often suffer from broken ankles to heavy falls. A tragic incident occurred in June when a mountain bike driver without a protective helmet at the Gelber Brink mountain pass killed. A climber also fell on the Große Feuerstein from a height of around ten meters in April and had to be recovered seriously injured. At the latest here it becomes clear that the downhill tax always carries risks.

The tasks of the mountain guard

The Harzer mountain rescue service, which belongs to Germany's northernmost mountain rescue guard and is part of the German Red Cross, has not only committed itself to rescue, but also to prevention. An example shows that even a group of six children and their supervisor had to be saved in the dark because they had gone in a gorge. Kirmann from the Bergwacht emphasizes that good equipment is important, but is also necessary to deal with the conditions.

In 2024, the mountain rescue recorded a total of around 140 intake - this corresponds to around ten missions per month. Most emergencies occurred in the summer months of July and August when numerous hikers visited the region. The operations are diverse: in the range of emergencies, everything that ranged from circulatory residues to falls were found. A particularly tragic effort at the witch dance place in Thale ended with the death of a 17-year-old adolescent who had fallen about 50 meters deep.

rescue operations and air support

The support from air rescue is becoming more important, especially in the often inaccessible areas of the Harz. A helicopter from the state police in Germany and civil rescue helicopters have been working regularly in recent years. mz.de emphasizes that the mountain rescue service offers regular training for its members, including special training for air rescue operations and practical exercises Police helicopter relay.

The mountain rescue service focuses on training and prevention. The members go through strict aptitude tests and include knowledge of nature conservation and medical care. Around 120 men and women are currently involved, 46 of whom are active. A youth group with currently twelve members also ensures the fresh wind and the offspring in the mountain rescue service.

tips for hikers

To avoid dangerous situations, the mountain rescue guard gives important tips for all hikers: this includes suitable clothing, sturdy shoes, sufficient water, snacks and a flashlight. In addition, a fully charged cell phone can save lives in an emergency because the control center can locate the location. Before starting every hike, it is advisable to find out about the weather conditions.

The challenges that Harzer has to deal with reflect the great responsibility that goes hand in hand with the beautiful but also often unpredictable terrain of the resin. If you want to face this challenge, you should not only equip yourself well, but also explore the mountains with respect for nature.