A brief overview of how mountain rescue is organised in various countries and mountain ranges. Hopefully you'll never need to use this information — but it's better to know it in advance, and to keep the key numbers and basic details to hand. It's always useful to know how to protect yourself, what to do while waiting for help, and what information to provide.
How is mountain rescue organised in France?
In France, mountain rescue missions are carried out by: Five Pelotons de Gendarmerie de Montagne (PGM), made up of gendarmerie officers, are located in the Jura, the Vosges and the Massif Central. The 15 PGHM (Pelotons de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne) are based in the Alps, the Pyrenees, Corsica and Réunion. The seven Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) are made up of police officers and are located in the Alps and the Pyrenees. Mountain rescue is also carried out by firefighters who hold a specific qualification for this role. Finally, the SSM (Sociétés de Secours en Montagne) continue to operate thanks to volunteers in Haute-Savoie. French rescue services can intervene in the mountains free of charge. However, if you are cross-country skiing or alpine skiing and an accident occurs, you may be charged by the local municipalities.Mountain Rescue in Switzerland
The Canton of Valais is home to most of Switzerland's summits and attracts the majority of visitors. The OCVS (Organisation Cantonale Valaisanne de Secours) is responsible for rescuing people in danger in the mountains. It is recognised by the Swiss state as a private association. To call on its services, dial 144. However, if mountain rescue is needed outside this zone, a different number and different operators apply: dial 1414, and the REGA (Swiss Air Rescue) will handle the operation. These rescue operations come at a cost, set according to a scale established by the Medical Tariff Commission of the National Accident Insurance Fund. French social security or your personal insurance may be able to reimburse you in the event of a rescue intervention. Finally, by becoming a member and donating to REGA (approximately £20/year), any costs related to a potential rescue will be covered.
How does Italy organise its mountain rescue?
The Corps National de Secours Alpin et Spéléologique (CNSAS) is responsible for rescue operations in mountain environments and is part of the Club Alpino Italiano. The Aosta Valley required the creation of a dedicated service, the Secours Alpin Valdôtain. It is important to note that rescue operations are not free of charge if medical treatment is not deemed necessary. Call 118 in an emergency.The Mont-Blanc Massif: a special case
Italian, Swiss and French rescue services cooperate during operations in the Mont-Blanc massif, thanks to bilateral agreements. This cooperation is known as "La Triangulaire" and allows each country to pool its human and material resources.Mountain rescue in Spain and Andorra
The SEREIM (Service de Secours et d'Intervention en Montagne) is responsible for mountain rescue and forms an integral part of the Guardia Civil. However, certain autonomous communities have chosen to set up their own rescue groups, which operate solely within their territory: Catalonia, Asturias, the Basque Country, Madrid and the Canary Islands. Rescues carried out by the SEREIM are free of charge, though some communities may charge a portion of the costs. Different emergency numbers apply depending on your location. You can call 112. Catalonia: 085 Aragon: 112 Navarre: 112 Basque Country: 088 Andorra: 112How to get your costs reimbursed?
It was noted earlier that mountain rescue services may incur costs. The person rescued may be asked to pay fees that vary depending on the type and location of the intervention. We recommend contacting your insurer to check the level of cover in the event of an accident requiring rescue services. If you do not have specific cover, you can join the Club Alpin Français (CAF), which includes insurance for all mountain sports, winter and summer. The Fédération Française de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FFME) also offers insurance tailored to mountain sports. Le Vieux Campeur, through its Club card, also includes mountain sports insurance. It is worth reviewing all your insurance policies, as they may cover rescue costs. You can also become a donor member of associations that manage rescue services in areas you plan to visit — rescue costs may then be covered in part or in full (REGA, mentioned above, is a prime example). Following this advice should help keep your costs to a minimum in the event of a mountain rescue intervention.How to avoid calling for rescue?
Here is a list of tips to help you minimise the issues you may encounter when practising your sports.- Plan your route with the help of guidebooks.
- Check the weather conditions, particularly any snowfall along your chosen route.
- Equip yourself appropriately for your chosen hike (footwear, clothing, map…).
- Don't hesitate to abandon your hike if the weather doesn't allow it, if you encounter a dangerous obstacle, or if you have overestimated your abilities.
- Remember to let someone close to you know your expected return time.
- Do not change your itinerary and favour hiking in a group.
- Prepare for this high-altitude hike using a guidebook!
- Check all the equipment you'll be using for the route, making sure it is suitable, in good condition and has been stored correctly (away from moisture, for example).
- Practise using ropes at home or at a climbing school.
- Remember to match the length and difficulty of your hike to your ability level.
- Don't hesitate to set off earlier and allow more time for your route.
- Regularly check the integrity of your anchor points.
- Once you've reached your destination, don't forget there's still the return journey!
- Be prepared to turn back if necessary!
What to do if you need to be rescued?
When hiking in the mountains, you will constantly face potential hazards. The advice provided here should help you adjust your behaviour and avoid unnecessary risks. However, it is impossible to foresee everything, and you may find yourself in a situation where help is needed. If you are in a European mountain range and need to call on a rescue team, please visit the PGHM Chamonix website. If you witness an accident, call 112. Mountain rescue teams will need precise information about the victim. Call 112 — a free European emergency number that works without credit or a SIM card.- Introduce yourself and provide your means of communication.
- Specify your location with as much detail as possible: mountain range, summit, GPS coordinates…
- Briefly describe the accident, the activity being undertaken and the nature of the incident (fall, slip…).
- Give the number of casualties, specifying age, sex and type of injuries, along with any other relevant information.
- Indicate weather conditions (wind, cloud cover…) and the presence or absence of obstacles (forests…) to assist with the location.
- Give the dominant colour of your clothing.
