Harzer Bergwacht: 44 missions in the first half of the year – tragedies and heroic deeds!

Harzer Bergwacht: 44 missions in the first half of the year – tragedies and heroic deeds!

The Harz Mountain Rescue Service in Saxony-Anhalt is the northernmost mountain rescue service in Germany and belongs to the German Red Cross. In the first six months of 2023, the mountain rescue service's operational readiness was impressive: a total of 44 missions took place. Of these, 27 missions were for the group in Wernigerode and 17 for the group in Thale. These missions are not only a sign of the high level of activity, but also of the challenges that mountain athletes and hikers often have to overcome in the Harz Mountains. In addition, the Harz region sees another increase in operations in the summer months, especially in July and August, as the statistics from 2024 show, with around 140 operations in total - a considerable increase that requires safety and preparation measures, especially for sporting activities such as hiking and mountain biking. As Volksstimme reports, help was needed in the summer days, especially in emergencies.

A serious incident in June 2023 reminds us how important outdoor safety is: A mountain bike rider who was not wearing a protective helmet had a tragic accident on the Gelber Brink mountain pass. The incident was not isolated. In mid-April, a climber fell on the Großer Feuerstein in mid-April and fell about ten meters into the depths. He was also rescued seriously injured. Another notable incident involved a carer and six children who became lost in a remote area during the night and had to be led out of a ravine using ropes. These incidents show that although the equipment of hikers, climbers and cyclists is good in many cases, many spontaneous excursionists are often inadequately prepared, as Kirmann from the mountain rescue service admits.

Active support and training

The Harz Mountain Rescue Service consists of a total of ten groups in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony and has around 120 committed men and women, 46 of whom are actively involved. The training is extensive and includes aptitude tests as well as knowledge of nature conservation and medicine. Some of the active forces have specialized in air rescue, especially for operations in difficult terrain, as is often the case in the Harz Mountains. As Volksstimme states, the mountain rescue service receives regular training, including simulation training with police helicopters.

There are some practical tips for hikers to be well prepared for the tour: suitable clothing, sturdy shoes, enough water, provisions, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a charged cell phone for emergency calls are essential. It is also important to stay informed about the weather, as conditions in the Harz can change quickly.

Future and youth work

The Harzer Bergwacht also aims to recruit new members for the future. The youth group for recruiting young talent currently has twelve members and seems to be heading in the right direction. These young people are prepared for the diverse challenges in the mountains and play an important role in the future of the mountain rescue service.

Overall, the Harz Mountain Rescue Service is an indispensable part of safety management in the Harz. Their operations, from rescues to emergency support, are essential to the safety of our mountain friends, and the increasing numbers show that there is still much to do. We appeal to all excursionists: prepare well and stay safe so that you can enjoy the beauty of the Harz to the fullest.