A brief overview of how mountain rescue is organised across different countries and mountain ranges. Hopefully you will never need to use this information, but it is better to know these essential details — and to keep the key numbers and basic information on you or saved on your phone. It is also always useful to know in advance how to protect yourself, what to do while waiting for rescue, what information to provide… and so on.
How is mountain rescue organised in France?
In France, mountain rescue missions are carried out by:
Five Pelotons de Gendarmerie de Montagne (PGM) are made up of gendarmerie officers and are based in the Jura, the Vosges, and the Massif Central. The 15 PGHM (Pelotons de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne) are located in the Alps, the Pyrenees, Corsica, and Réunion. The seven Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) are made up of police officers and are based in the Alps and the Pyrenees. Mountain rescue is also carried out by firefighters holding a specific specialist qualification. Finally, the SSM (Sociétés de Secours en Montagne) continue to operate thanks to volunteers in Haute-Savoie.
French rescue services can respond in the mountains free of charge. However, if you are practising cross-country skiing or alpine skiing and an accident occurs, costs may be billed to you by the local authorities.
Mountain rescue in Switzerland
The Canton of Valais is home to most of the country's high peaks and attracts the majority of tourists. The OCVS (Organisation Cantonale Valaisanne de Secours) is responsible for rescuing people in danger in the mountains and is recognised by the Swiss state as a private association. To call on them, simply dial 144. However, if mountain rescue is needed outside this area, the number and responders change — you will need to dial 1414, and it will be the REGA (Swiss Air Rescue) that handles the rescue. These rescue operations come at a cost, set according to a scale established by the Medical Tariffs Commission of the National Accident Insurance Fund. French social security or your personal insurance may be able to cover the costs in the event of a rescue intervention. Finally, by becoming a member and donating to REGA (approximately £20/year), any costs linked to a potential rescue will be covered.
How does Italy organise its mountain rescue?
The Corps Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico (CNSAS) is responsible for mountain rescue. It is in fact part of the Club Alpino Italiano. The Val d'Aoste required the creation of a dedicated service, the Soccorso Alpino Valdostano. 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-White Massif: a special case
Italian, Swiss, and French rescue services cooperate during interventions in the Mont-White Massif thanks to bilateral agreements. This cooperation is known as "La Triangulaire" and allows each country to pool its resources — both human and material.
Mountain rescue in Spain and Andorra
The SEREIM (Servicio de Rescate e Intervención en Montaña) is responsible for mountain rescue. It falls entirely under the Civil Guard. However, some regions have decided to create their own rescue groups, which operate only within their territory: Catalonia, Asturias, the Basque Country, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. Rescues carried out by the SEREIM are free of charge. Nevertheless, some regions may charge for part of the costs. Different emergency numbers may apply depending on your location. You can call 112.
Catalonia: 085
Aragon: 112
Navarre: 112
Basque Country: 088
Andorra: 112
How to get your costs reimbursed?
It was noted earlier that mountain rescue may be subject to charges. The person who has been rescued may therefore be asked to pay costs that will vary depending on the type and location of the intervention. We recommend contacting your insurer to check how much cover you have in the event of an accident and rescue intervention. If you do not have insurance for this, you can join the Club Alpin Français (CAF), which includes cover for all mountain sports, winter and summer alike. 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 cover. It is worth checking all your insurance policies as they may cover costs related to rescue operations. You can also become a donor member of associations that manage rescue services in the areas you plan to visit — rescue costs may then be partially or fully covered (REGA, mentioned above, is a prime example). By following this advice, you can significantly limit your out-of-pocket costs 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 problems encountered when practising your sports.
- Plan your route with the help of guides.
- Check the weather forecast, particularly for snowfall along the chosen route.
- Gear up properly for the hiking route you have chosen (footwear, clothing, map…)
- Do not hesitate to abandon your hike if the weather does not allow it, if you are faced with a dangerous obstacle, or if you have overestimated your abilities
- Remember to let someone you know what time you expect to return
- Do not change your itinerary and favour hiking in a group
If you choose a mountaineering route with equipment in a massif in Europe, here are some additional tips:
- Prepare for this high-altitude hike using a topo-guide!
- Check the equipment to be used for the route, making sure it is appropriate, in good condition, and has been stored correctly (away from moisture, for example).
- Practise rope techniques at home or at a climbing school
- Remember to match the length and difficulty of your hike to your ability
- Do not hesitate to set off earlier and allow extra time for your route
- Regularly check the integrity of your anchor points.
- Once you reach your destination, do not forget you still have to get back!
- 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 hazards. We have shared advice that should help you adjust your behaviour accordingly and avoid risks. However, it is impossible to foresee everything, and you may find yourself in a situation that requires calling for help.
If you are in a European massif and need to call on a rescue team, please consult the PGHM Chamonix website.
If you witness an accident, call 112. Mountain rescue teams will need precise information about the casualty. Call 112, which is a European emergency number, free of charge, and works without credit or a SIM card.
- Introduce yourself and provide your contact details, specifying your means of communication.
- Specify your exact location with as much detail as possible: massif, summit, GPS coordinates…
- Briefly describe the accident, the type of activity being undertaken, and the nature of the incident (fall, slip…).
- Provide the number of casualties, specifying age, sex, type of injuries, and any other relevant information.
- Indicate the weather conditions (wind, cloud cover…) and the presence or absence of obstacles (forests…) to help with localisation.
- Give the dominant colour of your clothing.
Trekking in a non-European massif
You should check before any departure as each massif is different. Consult the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/).
In some cases, it is necessary to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via their website. This will help rescue teams locate you more quickly (for Nepal, for example: https://www.timsnepal.com/ ),
Unfortunately, it is frequently the case that there is no organised mountain rescue service in these massifs. Trekking agencies or insurance companies may cover this. It is important to be vigilant when taking out your insurance. Two points require your attention: make sure that rescue cover does not only begin from the hospital. Check the terms around search operations, which are sometimes only covered below a certain altitude. Stay alert!
Remember to always carry a means of communication, the contact details of the French authorities in the country, and those of the agency you travelled with.
