Mountain rescuers in Saxon Switzerland: 65 missions despite hiking paradise!

Mountain rescuers in Saxon Switzerland: 65 missions despite hiking paradise!

Sächsische Schweiz, Deutschland - in the picturesque Saxon Switzerland is ideal hiking weather today and you can see that! Many day trippers are on the way, use the last rays of sun and enjoy the breathtaking nature. But the pleasure is sometimes clouded by unfortunate accidents. This year, the volunteer mountain rescuers have already been challenged more than 60 times to help injuries from their predicament. So reports Sächsische.de .

The mountain rescue service, organized under the roof of the German Red Cross (DRK), has his hands full in Saxon Switzerland. On weekends, the stations in the health resort of Rathen and Bielatal are occupied, with at least four mountain residues on site. Christoph Weber, the head of the DRK-Bergwacht Sebnitz, is currently in use in the hut in the Bielatal. These volunteers come from different cities, including Dresden, Pirna and Sebnitz. At the moment, access to the hiking areas is heavily frequented, which increases the risk of accidents.

accidents and injuries

Last weekend there were two particularly tragic incidents. A 47-year-old hiker from Dresden fell on the Pfaffenstein and suffered head injuries while she wanted to avoid another person. A 45-year-old woman from Leipzig also injured her foot at Langhenner's Labyrinth and was no longer able to continue independently. Both women were then recovered by the mountain rescue company with wearing and to clinics, informed mdr.de .

Unfortunately, such operations are not uncommon. As early as 2022, the mountain rescue in Saxon Switzerland recorded 177 missions, which is 38 more than in the previous year. This can also be seen in the numbers for 2023, where over 80 alarms were already registered by July, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Many hikers underestimate the dangers in nature, which makes the mountain rescue service difficult in their work. It is often the inexperienced people who get problems in difficult terrain, so explains Bergwacht Sachsen .

prevention and tips for hikers

To prevent accidents, the mountain rescuers give valuable tips: Suitable footwear is a must, especially ankle -high hiking shoes should be worn in the mountainous site. In addition, the mountain rescuers advise to plan radio spots and to orient themselves closely on the hiking trail signs. It is also necessary to have the emergency number 112 ready in order to be able to quickly request help in an emergency.

With regard to the ongoing operations, the mountain rescue is continuously equipped with new technology. This also includes support from the helicopter Christoph 62 from Bautzen, which is often requested to transport patients from difficult terrain. These operations are crucial for the mountain rescue service because they both optimize medical care and relieve the emergency services.

In order to continue to support the mountain rescue service, you also plan a crowdfunding campaign for summer to finance necessary renovations and equipment. Anyone can support the charitable status by transferring donations to the DRK Saxony account.

it is to be hoped that hikers always go carefully and well prepared into nature. After all, security comes first!