What should I do if someone feels unwell or has an accident?
If you have prepared your backpack properly, you should have items to treat minor injuries or someone who is feeling unwell, and which should help while you are waiting for the rescue team. Make sure you always pack food and water (or sugary drinks) and a small first aid kit.
What should I do in an emergency?
In the event of an accident, help those who need it most.
Call 118 straightaway and calmly answer all the operator’s questions.
Whenever possible, reassure the injured person, try not to leave them alone and keep them warm.
What do I need to tell the 118 emergency operator?
- Answer the questions the 118 operator asks you as accurately as possible, giving the personal details of the casualty and, if possible, a second contact telephone number.
- Describe how the accident happened and at what time.
- Inform the operator of the nature of the person’s injuries (if they are conscious, having difficulty breathing, are in pain …).
- Give as many details as you can about your location, including the coordinates if you have them.
- Describe the weather conditions and any obstacles that might hamper the helicopter’s approach (cableways, power lines, hanging cables …), any dangers there may be accessing the accident site, or if there are other people nearby who could help.
- Since many areas have no mobile phone coverage, if you need assistance and you manage to alert mountain rescue, stay where you are: if you move, you may lose your signal and make things worse.
- Keep the line free. Remember to charge your phone before you leave and consider taking a power bank with you.
- Before setting off on your hike, download the app on your phone. It might be useful.
Is there anything I can do to help the pilot when the rescue helicopter arrives?
There are two methods of signalling an emergency to a rescue helicopter:
- raising both arms in a ‘Y’ shape means “I need help, please land”
- one arm raised and one lowered along your side (forming an ‘N’) means “I don’t need help”
Can I take out insurance against accidents in the mountains?
Yes, there are three kinds of insurance:
- for Club Alpino Italiano members
- Dolomiti Emergency
- your own private insurance policy with a company of your choice
