Operation record for Tyrol Mountain Rescue: over 1,390 operations in summer

Tyrol Mountain Rescue recorded a record number of missions in summer 2024. Careful tour planning remains essential!

Summer 2024 will go down in the history of Mountain Rescue Tyrol (Bergrettung Tirol): With a total of 1,392 missions from June to August, a new record was set, which corresponds to an increase of around 9%. The volunteers had their hands full during the hot summer months, and the appeal for the upcoming fall season is once again: Careful planning and good equipment can save lives.

Highest deployment density in the Imst district

The highest number of call-outs was recorded in the district of Imst, which leads the field with 19%, followed by the districts of Reutte and Innsbruck Land. The most common cause of accidents was hiking, which accounted for 44% of interventions, closely followed by mountain bike accidents with 16%. The main causes of emergencies were falls or slips, which accounted for around 36% of interventions, while medical emergencies accounted for just under 10%.

Record months of July and August

After a rather quiet June due to favorable weather conditions, the number of operations rose to 514 in July and reached an all-time high of 602 operations in August. Regional Director Ekkehard Wimmer reported that the mountain rescue team experienced everything in summer 2024, from classic mountain accidents to emergencies caused by a lack of preparation, overestimation or inadequate equipment. Particularly challenging were days when individual local units had to deal with up to five missions at the same time.

Careful planning for the fall season

The upcoming fall marks the start of a new season for hikes and mountain tours, which brings with it special challenges. Mountain Rescue Tyrol appeals to all mountain sports enthusiasts to plan their tours carefully. Short days, rapid twilight and cool temperatures on clear nights should not be underestimated. In addition, snow must already be expected at higher altitudes and on north-facing slopes. Christian Eder, head of the Tyrolean Mountain Rescue Academy, emphasizes: “Tour planning, taking into account the current conditions, remains an essential means of preventing emergencies.” In addition to having the right equipment, such as a headlamp and a first aid kit, it is important to set off early in the morning in order to return before nightfall.

The Tyrolean Mountain Rescue Service is proud of the operational readiness of its 4,600 volunteer rescuers, who overcome even the greatest challenges thanks to their high level of motivation and professionalism. But everyone can make a contribution to reducing the number of missions - through forward-looking planning, realistic self-assessment and the right equipment.

At the Alpinmesse you can find out more about alpine safety, first aid and rescue systems. You can also talk directly to the mountain rescuers. Together we can ensure greater safety on the mountain.
 

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More information on accident statistics and the activities of mountain rescuers can be found at bergrettung.tirol

Text source: Press release Österreichischer Bergrettungsdienst - Land Tirol (Austrian Mountain Rescue Service - Province of Tyrol)