Preventive Tips Before Accidents, First Aid in the Mountains...

Preventive tips before accidents, first aid in the mountains and preparations for the summer mountaineering season.

Mountains attract numerous adventurers, nature enthusiasts and lovers of activities in the natural environment. But exciting adventures in the mountains also require special attention and care for safety. With the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of preventive measures, knowledge of first aid and preparations for the summer season in the mountains, we at the Alpine Association of Slovenia organized a press conference on Wednesday, June 7, at the Planinski dom na Jančah. We presented key tips and guidelines for a safer mountaineering experience.

Representative of the Youth Commission of the PZS Klara Kavčič and professional associate of the PZS and instructor of the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia Matjaž Šerkezi warned that the fast and confused valley life has unfortunately moved to the mountains as well. However, they do not allow mistakes and madness, so proper preparation before going to the mountains is important.


Let's repeat some important tips:


Plan: Before you go on a mountain trip, study your route. Inquire about its difficulty and length. Always check the weather forecast and conditions on the route and take them into account. Use a printed mountain map and the maPZS application for planning.

Equipment: Make sure you have the appropriate equipment for your trip with you. This includes hiking boots, warm clothing, non-alcoholic liquid, map and compass, first aid, headlamp and sun protection.


Physical and mental preparation: Walking in the mountains is physically demanding. Make sure you are in good physical condition during the year. The principle of gradualness applies to visiting mountains from less demanding to more demanding; from lower to higher. The first mountain tour should not be in the high mountains, save the harder ascents for the later part of summer, when you will be well-walked and better physically prepared.


Respect nature: Keep in mind that mountains are home to many animals and plants that live in a demanding environment. Take garbage to the valley. Garbage also includes peels from bananas and citrus fruits. Loud music and shouting have no place in the mountains.


Be careful: Watch out for falling rocks, especially on steep slopes. Be aware of dangers such as storms and exhaustion.


Inform others: Tell a known person where you are going and when you plan to return, so that in case of unexpected events, they will be informed about your problems and will know where to look for you.


Stay on marked mountain paths: Follow marked paths and thus avoid unnecessary risk on pathless terrain. In Slovenia, we have 10 thousand kilometers of marked and maintained mountain paths and there is no reason to look for pathless areas, destinations that are in a way reserved for experienced alpinists, for example paths to certain bivouacs. Bivouacs are not facilities for tourist sleeping, but an emergency exit for experienced mountaineers.

For all mountain visitors, we at the Alpine Association of Slovenia have supplemented the leaflet Safer to the Mountains, with tips and directions so that no accident occurs. For those who are interested in more, all information is also on the website www.varneje.pzs.si.




Highlights of this year's mountaineering season


A lot of snow has fallen in the mountains, which will last long into the summer in many places. So we can come to a part of the mountain path that will be covered with hard, frozen snow for a few meters. We can cross such an area only if it is on flat ground and there is no possibility of slipping. In the case of a slope, only with the help of an ice axe and crampons. Otherwise, turn around.


We also recommend the use of a mountaineering or alpine helmet. In a slip, the first thing that hits the ground is the head, and if it is not properly protected, serious injuries can occur. A helmet is recommended especially where paths run under walls, as there is a lot of fallen rocks especially at the beginning of the mountaineering season. We also recommend it on mountain paths where there are many visitors.


The helmet must have the UIAA and CE label, which means it is suitable for use in the mountains and must not be older than five years. Proper helmet placement on the head is also important.

The helmet should always be properly fastened – not too much and not too little. In the first case, it presses and hinders circulation, in the second, the effectiveness is greatly reduced in a fall or side impact.

Do not take the helmet off your head while walking. It can slip out of your hands or a rock can fall from somewhere right then. Never paint the helmet or stick stickers on it, as this affects the chemical structure of the outer shell, i.e. its physical properties. Well, a sticker for memory won't hurt, but the shell shouldn't be completely covered.



It is also key to properly obtain information about a particular mountain trip or tour. Information about the route must be verified and objective. "We can get them on verified web portals, such as the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia or in printed mountain guides. Of course, additional information from social networks or individual experiences is welcome, but one must be aware that in most cases these are subjective assessments in the sense - what is easy for me is not necessarily easy for you or it will put you in a dangerous position," warned Matjaž Šerkezi and added. "If you are not skilled in mountain preparations, walking, and if you want more demanding tours, hire a mountain guide or hiking guide. The trip will be safer with them. In any case, check their competencies and qualifications."

When we go to the mountains, we can never rely on the fact that an accident will not happen to us. It is crucial that we are prepared and master the basics of first aid, as this knowledge can save lives. Experienced mountain rescuer and first aid lecturer Marjana Hostnik demonstrated procedures for acting in emergency cases, such as injuries and bleeding, at the press conference. The importance of knowledge about basic resuscitation procedures was also emphasized, as quick and correct intervention can save a life in mountain conditions. The procedures for providing first aid in the mountains do not differ significantly from procedures in other accident situations. The key rule is to remain calm and collected and act with your head.


Immobilization


Fractures, sprains and dislocations occur in falls and impacts or even careless walking. We sterilely bandage an open fracture, immobilize two adjacent joints, as this reduces pain and the possibility of additional soft tissue injuries. Slightly elevate the limb. We do not try to reduce a dislocation in the field, we mobilize the limb. In case of a sprain, provide cold compresses and mobilize the limb.


Stopping bleeding with a compression bandage


We stop bleeding by pressing hard directly on the bleeding site over a sterile bandage, a clean piece of cloth or a piece of clothing. If possible, elevate the injured body part above heart level. Maintain pressure and make a compression bandage: place a whole bandage or any other larger roll we have available on the sterile gauze or material we pressed on the bleeding site, and then firmly secure it all with circular turns of another bandage so that the bleeding stops. If possible, place the injured limb in a splint or triangular scarf, elevate it above heart level and seek medical help.


In a poisonous snake bite, we see punctate wounds, swelling, pain, blue-red spots on the skin along the lymphatics, there are also nausea, vomiting, chills, dizziness, accelerated breathing and pulse or even signs of shock. Sterilely bandage the wounds, cool and mobilize the limb. The affected person should rest, the injured limb should be lower than the heart. Check pulse, skin color and general condition.


For a poisonous insect sting, we recommend rest and cold compresses. Allergy or even an acute situation may occur.

Young people, join us at the camps


Since the world stands on the young, we also invited the head of the Youth Commission of the PZS (MK PZS) Ana Skledar to the press. In 1956, the PZS established the Youth Commission and entrusted it with the care for the education and training of young people. Together with youth sections that operate within mountaineering clubs, it takes care of the popularization and quality of mountaineering with various actions, encourages youth organization and youth work, and trains professional staff who work with young people.

"Young people can join various club activities as well as activities offered by the Youth Commission of the PZS. Many do not know that they can join the activities of mountaineering clubs even after finishing elementary school. Numerous clubs offer interesting mountain trips for high school and university students, winter and summer mountain schools and many other different activities. The most enthusiastic can enroll in numerous alpinistic schools that take place in Slovenia. The MK PZS also offers numerous activities. This year we organize monthly hikes for high school and university students (generally intended for everyone up to 30 years old). In the summer months, we organize high school and student mountain camps. The high school camp takes place in Čezsoča between August 19 and 26, 2023. The student camp traditionally takes place at the Planinski učni center Bavšica from September 24 to 29, 2023. We also conduct winter and summer schools for safe walking in the hills. For all information about upcoming events, follow the FB and IG pages of MK PZS or visit our website."

If you are more competitive, you can acquire a lot of mountaineering knowledge with the help of various competitions. MK PZS, with the help and organization of numerous clubs, organizes orientation competitions and Youth and Mountains.


At the end of the press conference, PZS Vice President Martin Šolar invited those gathered to join the Day of Slovenian Mountaineers on Saturday, June 10. At Kal nad Hrastnikom, a full-day mountaineering event is expected, experiences for young mountaineers, families and adults, guided mountain and touring cycling trips, climbing on a climbing tower, presentation of mountain rescue, central event with a procession of flag bearers of mountaineering clubs, something interesting for everyone.

There will also be a special "traveling" exhibition on display. The popular connecting path Slovenska planinska pot is celebrating 70 years of existence this year. The Slovenian Mountaineering Museum, in cooperation with the Alpine Association of Slovenia, has opened an exhibition dedicated to presenting the path, life and sights on and along it.