Alpine Rescue Research Articles

Shoulder reduction on the scene: current practice and outcome of the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service—a prospective observational study

Out-of-hospital reduction of shoulder dislocations using the Campell method is recommended by the International Commission for Alpine Rescue and applied in the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service (Bergwacht Bayern, BWB) protocols. This prospective observational study includes patients out-of-hospital with suspected shoulder dislocation and treated and evacuated by the BWB. Data were systematically collected using three questionnaires: one completed on-site by the rescuer, the second in hospital by the physician and the third within 28 (8–143) days after the accident by the patient. The suspected diagnosis of shoulder dislocation was confirmed in hospital in 37 (84%) of 44 cases. Concomitant injuries in other body regions were found in eight (16%) of 49 cases and were associated with incorrect diagnosis (p = 0.002). Younger age (p = 0.043) and first shoulder dislocation event (p = 0.038) were associated with a higher success rate for reduction attempts. Out-of-hospital reduction of shoulder dislocations leads to significant pain relief and no poorer long-term outcome. Signs that are associated with successful out-of-hospital reduction (younger age and first event), but also those that are associated with incorrect diagnosis (concomitant injuries) should be considered before trying to reduce shoulder dislocation on site. The considerable rate of incorrect first diagnosis on site should give rise to an intensive discussion around teaching and training for this intervention.Trial registration: This study is registered with the German Registry for Clinical Trials (DRKS00023377).

Predictors of sleep quality in the Swiss alpine rescue service

IntroductionSleep is a prerequisite for mental health, but data are lacking with regard to sleep quality in voluntary emergency and rescue workers. In this analysis of data from a larger study, we assess sleep quality and explore possible risk and protective factors of Swiss alpine rescue personnel. MethodsUsing data from an online survey of 465 mountain rescuers, we estimated sleep quality with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants additionally completed the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). ResultsOnly 14% of the participants indicated poor sleep quality. Moreover, higher scores on the GHQ-12, PCL-5, and PSS-10 emerged as risk factors for poor sleep quality. ConclusionOur results indicate a good sleep quality in Swiss alpine rescue personnel. Risk factors for poor sleep quality were poorer general mental health, the presence of PTSD symptoms, and higher perceived stress.

Under the Southern Cross and Ranrapalca in Cordillera Blanca, Peru.

After completing an alpine rescue exercise in June 2022, participants of the Diploma in Mountain Medicine of the Andes descended the slopes of the Ishinca Glacier in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. In the background, the massive Mount Ranrapalca (6162 m) is guarded from the sky by the Southern Cross. Although the Southern Cross has held importance in many cultures, it is a potent symbol of the Andean culture. The staggered Andean cross of the Incas, “Chakana,” represents the Southern Cross.1 Here, the 3 worlds of the Inca belief system coexist: Uqhu Pacha (underworld), represented by a snake; Kay Pacha (middle world), represented by the puma; and finally, Hanan Pacha (upperworld), represented by the condor.

Efficacy and Safety of Methoxyflurane for Treatment of Acute Traumatic Pain by EMTs during Alpine Rescue Operations: The “PainDrop” Trial

Background: Treatment of acute traumatic pain is a core task for mountain rescue services. Intravenous access, however, is often difficult, and the vast majority of missions are carried out without a physician at the scene. The spectrum of analgesics available for use by non-physician personnel is limited. Inhaled analgesics, such as methoxyflurane, might prove useful, but currently no data exist on their application by non-physicians in the alpine setting. Methods: This prospective observational alpine field study was conducted over a period of 15 months. Patients suffering traumatic injuries with moderate to severe pain (pain score ≥ 5) after downhill bike accidents in the Tyrol mountains (1,362 m to 2,666 m above sea level) were enrolled. Teams of four mountain rescue service members, one of them a trained EMT, treated the patients with 3 ml of methoxyflurane by inhaler. We measured efficacy as reduction in pain from baseline to 15 minutes after treatment on a numerical rating scale. Safety was assessed by change in vital signs or occurrence of side-effects. Sample-size calculations were based on the efficacy outcome and yielded a need for 20 patients at a power of 0.8. Results: From June 29, 2020 to September 30, 2021, a total of 20 patients (two females; mean age 37 years) were included. The mean initial pain score was 7.2 (SD 1.0) points. After 15 minutes, pain was significantly reduced by a mean of 2.9 (SD 1.4) points. No major adverse events or relevant changes in vital signs were observed. Conclusion: The use of methoxyflurane by EMTs during alpine rescue operations in our study proved to be safe and efficient. We observed no reduction in the efficacy of the inhaler device at moderate altitude.

Removal of the cervical collar from alpine rescue protocols? A biomechanical non-inferiority trial in real-life mountain conditions

BackgroundAlpine skiing rescues are challenging because of the mountainous environment and risks of cervical spine motion (CSM) induced during victims’ extrications (EXs) and downhill evacuations (DEs). The benefits of applying a cervical collar (CC) over manual in-line stabilization without CC (MILS) in terms of spinal motion restriction during simulated alpine rescues are undocumented. Our hypothesis was that CSM recorded using MILS alone is non-inferior to CSM recorded with a CC according to a 10 degrees margin.MethodsA total of 32 alpine extrications and 4 downhill evacuations on different slope conditions were performed using a high fidelity mannequin designed with a motion sensors instrumented cervical spine. The primary outcome was the peak extrication 3D excursion angle (Peak 3D θEX,) of the mannequin’s head. The secondary objectives were to describe the time to extrication completion (tEX) and to highlight which extrication manipulation is more likely to induce CSM.ResultsThe median Peak 3D θEX recorded during flat terrain extrications using CC was 10.77° (95% CI 7.31°–16.45°) compared to 13.06° (95% CI 10.20°–30.36°) using MILS, and 16.09° (95% CI 9.07°–37.43°) for CC versus 16.65° (95% CI 13.80°–23.40°) using MILS on a steep slope. Peak 3D θEX with CC or using MILS during extrications were equivalent according to a 10 degrees non-inferiority hypothesis testing (p < 0.05). Time to extrication completion (tEX) was significantly reduced using MILS without CC on a flat terrain with a median duration of 237,3 s (95% CI 197.8 s, 272.2 s) compared to 358.7 s (95% CI 324.1 s, 472.4 s). During downhill evacuations, CSM with and without CC across all terrain conditions were negligible (< 5°). When CC is used; its installation manipulation induces the highest CSM. When EXs are done using MILS without CC, the logroll initiation is the manipulation inducing the highest risk of CSM.ConclusionFor experienced ski patrollers, the biomechanical benefits of spinal motion restriction provided by CC over MILS during alpine skiing rescues appear to be marginal and CC use negatively affects rescue time.

Mountain Emergency Medicine Review, 1st edition

Mountain Emergency Medicine Review, 1st edition

Resilience and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in the Swiss Alpine Rescue Association.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess the frequency of trauma exposure, the prevalence of possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the extent of resilience, and sense of coherence among personnel of the Swiss alpine rescue association (ARS).MethodsUsing a trilingual online survey approach, 465 mountain rescuers of the ARS were surveyed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), the PTSD Checklist 5 (PCL-5), the Resilience Scale 13 and 14 (RS-13/-14), the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10), the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sense of Coherence Scale 13 (SOC-13), and the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS).ResultsAlthough the rate of mountain rescuers having witnessed or experienced a traumatic event was high (71%), the prevalence of possible PTSD was low (0.9%). The sample showed high resilience and high sense of coherence. Resilience was positively correlated with work experience. Low perceived stress and high sense of coherence predicted resilience. The severity of PTSD symptoms was mainly predicted by low sense of coherence. Sense of coherence mediated the interaction between resilience and severity of PTSD symptoms.ConclusionThe findings suggest that resilience and sense of coherence are indicative for the low prevalence of possible PTSD among mountain rescuers, and may therefore represent valuable screening and training parameters for mountain rescue personnel.

CAUSES FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE IN ROCK CLIMBING ACCIDENTS IN POLISH TATRA MOUNTAINS – A 5-YEAR SURVEY

Aim: To review Tatra MRT (Mountain Rescue Team) SAR (search and rescue) events reported by rescuers in the study period of 2015-2019 (5-year survey) in terms of the profile of the injured, types of injuries, causes identified by MRT rescuers in reference to the NACA ICAR (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics – International Committee for Alpine Rescue) score. Material and methods: A study was conducted on Tatra MRT reports, regarding RC (rock climbing), from 2015 through 2019. Reports included information on the trauma, possible causes, accompanying weather conditions and actions that were taken. The study group consisted of 174 report with a median age of 32.5 years (IQ I-III – 27–41) comprising 137 men and 37 women. Results: Our study revealed that there was no relation between RC SAR reported by Tatra MRT rescuers and age or sex. Apart from one – the fall from heights, causes were also not related with age or sex. According to our study older people were more likely to sustain a trauma as a result of a fall from heights (34 vs 31, p=0.009). We found that 42% of the victims did not sustain any actual trauma (NACA ICAR=0). According to the rescuers these cases were significantly more likely to be associated with the lack of skills or inadequate equipment (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: RC incidents constitute a small percentage of SAR operations by Tatra MRT. Almost half of RC SAR incidents is not associated with an actual trauma.

Difficult setting rescue: what complementarity ?

When access to a patient is impossible by conventional means because of meteorological or technical conditions, complementary resources become required for optimal management. The Swiss alpine rescue, the regional rescue team in Valais and the Swiss cave rescue organization are all providing a complementary medical solution.

Comparison of different mechanical chest compression devices in the alpine rescue setting: a randomized triple crossover experiment

BackgroundCardiopulmonary resuscitation in mountain environment is challenging. Continuous chest compressions during transport or hoist rescue are almost impossible without mechanical chest compression devices. Current evidence is predominantly based on studies conducted by urbane ambulance service. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of continuous mechanical chest compression during alpine terrestrial transport using three different devices.MethodsRandomized triple crossover prospective study in an alpine environment. Nineteen teams of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service trained according to current ERC guidelines performed three runs each of a standardised alpine rescue-scenario, using three different devices for mechanical chest compression. Quality of CPR, hands-off-time and displacement of devices were measured.ResultsThe primary outcome of performed work (defined as number of chest compressions x compression depth) was 66,062 mm (2832) with Corpuls CPR, 65,877 mm (6163) with Physio-Control LUCAS 3 and 40,177 mm (4396) with Schiller Easy Pulse. The difference both between LUCAS 3 and Easy Pulse (Δ 25,700; 95% confidence interval 21,118 – 30,282) and between Corpuls CPR and Easy Pulse (Δ 25,885; 23,590 – 28,181) was significant. No relevant differences were found regarding secondary outcomes.ConclusionMechanical chest compression devices provide a viable option in the alpine setting. For two out of three devices (Corpuls CPR and LUCAS 3) we found adequate quality of CPR. Those devices also maintained a correct placement of the piston even during challenging terrestrial transport. Adequate hands-off-times and correct placement could be achieved even by less trained personnel.

Guidelines for Mountain Rescue During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Official Guidelines of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue.

Roy, Steven, Inigo Soteras, Alison Sheets, Richard Price, Kazue Oshiro, Simon Rauch, Don McPhalen, Maria Antonia Nerin, Giacomo Strapazzon, Myron Allen, Alistair Read, and Peter Paal. Guidelines for mountain rescue during the COVID-19 pandemic: official guidelines of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue. High Alt Med Biol. 22: 128–141, 2021.Background: In mountain rescue, uncertainty exists on the best practice to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. The aim of this work was to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in mountain rescue.Methods: Original articles or reviews, published until December 27, 2020 in Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, EMBASE, PubMed, and Google Scholar were included. Articles were limited to English, French, German, or Spanish with the article topic COVID-19 or other epidemics, addressing transmission, transport, rescue, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Results: The literature search yielded 6,190 articles. A total of 952 were duplicates and 5,238 were unique results. After exclusion of duplicates and studies that were not relevant to this work, 249 articles were considered for this work. Finally, 72 articles and other sources were included.Conclusions: Recommendations are provided for protection of the rescuer (including screening, personal protective equipment [PPE], and vaccination), protection of the patient (including general masking if low risk, specific PPE if high risk), equipment hygiene (including disinfection after every mission), use of single-use products, training and medical measures under COVID-19 precautions, and psychological wellbeing of rescuers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapted COVID-19 precautions for low-and-medium-income countries are also discussed.

Costing of helicopter emergency services- a\xa0strategic simulation based on the example of a German rural region

BackgroundHelicopter emergency services (HEMS) are of increasing relevance for emergency medical services (EMS) of developed countries. Despite the known cost intensity of HEMS, there is only very limited knowledge of its cost dynamics and structures. This averts an efficient resource allocation of scarce EMS resources in an environment that is characterized by socio-political, medical and economic challenges. The objective of this study is the exemplary modeling of HEMS cost structures.MethodsWe defined three scenarios with each five variations to illustrate different models of HEMS provision. Into these, we included varying availability times, technical features for off-shore or alpine rescue and differing numbers of operations. Cost data is based on a broad literature review and primary data from a German HEMS organization resulting in a cost function. We calculated average costs per primary missions and total costs, whilst differentiating between fixed, jump-fixed, variable and maintenance costs for every scenario variation. The costs were further used to evaluate the profitability of operations by executing a break-even analysis.ResultsAverage costs per HEMS operation decrease with increasing number of operations due to the digression of fixed costs. Depending on special equipment, availability times or other assumptions, total costs differ significantly with the different scenario variations. For the basic scenario (12 h of operations per day), the total costs per year of HEMS are 1,697,546.20 € and the unit costs are 763.41 € per primary mission at 1200 primary and 92 secondary operations. At an engine-runtime based revenue of 70 € per minute, global cost covering is possible after 728 missions (c.p.).ConclusionsConsidering a revenue of 70 € per minute of engine run-time, HEMS can be operated at a profit for companies. However, the necessary remuneration represents a high financial effort for the societal cost bearers of helicopter emergency services. This leads to the question of the cost-benefit ratio of HEMS, which could be approached in further researches by using this model. The valuation of mission costs also opens a new view to the framework of HEMS disposition procedures and criteria. This cost analysis enhances the necessity of better planning of HEMS networks to use available resources efficiently in order to improve social welfare.

Influence of physical strain at high altitude on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BackgroundHigh quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a key factor in survival with good overall quality of life after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Current evidence is predominantly based on studies conducted at low altitude, and do not take into account the special circumstances of alpine rescue missions. We therefore aimed to investigate the influence of physical strain at high altitude on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.MethodsAlpine field study. Twenty experienced mountaineers of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) performed BLS on a manikin in groups of two for 16 min. The scenario was executed at baseline altitude and immediately after a quick ascent over an altitude difference of 1200 m at 3454 m above sea level. The sequence of scenarios was randomised for a cross over analysis.Quality of CPR and exhaustion of participants (vital signs, Borg-Scale, Nine hole peg test) were measured and compared between high altitude and baseline using random-effects linear regression models.ResultsThe primary outcome of chest compression depth significantly decreased at high altitude compared to baseline by 1 cm (95% CI 0.5 to 1.3 cm, p < 0.01). There was a significant reduction in the proportion of chest compressions in the target depth (at least 5 cm pressure depth) by 55% (95% CI 29 to 82%, p < 0.01) and in the duration of the release phase by 75 ms (95% CI 48 to 101 ms, p < 0.01). No significant difference was found regarding hands-off times, compression frequency or exhaustion.ConclusionPhysical strain during a realistic alpine rescue mission scenario at high altitude led to a significant reduction in quality of resuscitation. Resuscitation guidelines developed at sea level are not directly applicable in the mountain terrain.

Sports-psychiatry and psychotherapy for alpine sports

Alpine sports are comprised of multiple disciplines like mountaineering, climbing, ice-climbing, high-altitude mountaineering, trekking, canyoning and ski-mountaineering. However, there is no standardised definition of alpine sports. Alpinism in a broader sense includes as well mountain science, mountain guiding and alpine rescue. Hence this article focuses on sport activities in an alpine environment and on the possible psychiatric impact thereof.

Age and Sex Are Strongly Correlated to the Rate and Type of Mountain Injuries Requiring Search and Rescue Missions

Because of the growing popularity of mountain tourism, the number of injuries related to mountain activities has increased rapidly. The regional volunteer search and rescue team (Tatra mountain rescue team [MRT], Poland) anticipates future increases in injuries and accidents. An analysis was performed on Tatra MRT incident reports for the years 2012 through 2013. These reports include information on the mechanism of injury, weather conditions, and demographic data of the injured tourists. The data were provided by the operation supervisor of each search and rescue mission. The study group consisted of 844 reports (median age 37 y, range 18-90 y). The analysis was designed to determine whether features such as age and sex of the injured tourist were correlated to the injury mechanisms (as identified by the rescuers) or their National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics-International Committee for Alpine Rescue (NACA ICAR) score. Our study of the Tatra MRT data revealed that age and sex are risk factors for the rate and severity of injuries in the mountain environment. Injured men were more likely to require resource-intensive search and rescue missions and usually had a worse NACA ICAR score (P=0.041). The age analysis showed that older people are more likely to sustain a serious injury (3-7 NACA ICAR score). However, the most common rescue scenario involved younger males (20-40 y) at a higher altitude (>1500 m, P<0.001). Sex and age are associated with the mechanisms and severity of injuries in the mountain environment. They should be considered in the development of appropriate prevention and response programs. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.

First Aid Management of Hypothermia and Cold Injuries

Introduction:Best practice first aid management of accidental hypothermia and cold injuries in the prehospital setting is relevant for disaster management in cold environments as well as for wilderness and expedition medicine, and space medicine. In the Australasian context, guidance is currently taken from the Australian Resuscitation Council (“ARC”) Guidelines dealing with these issues.Aim:To review and update the recommendations of the ARC Guideline 9.3.3 Hypothermia: First-Aid Management (February 2009) and ARC Guideline 9.3.6 Cold Injury (March 2000).Method: The review is being undertaken through a combination of a focused literature review and expert opinion. Through the author’s membership of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (“ICAR”) Alpine Emergency Medicine Commission, two northern-hemisphere experts on hypothermia have reviewed the guidelines and provided commentary and recommendations.Results:Much of the literature around accidental hypothermia and cold injuries (including frostbite, frostnip, and chilblains), relies on expert opinion and case studies. There are relatively few randomized controlled trials, and these are often confined to the laboratory setting. As a result, there is a heavier reliance on expert opinion than in any other areas of medicine.Discussion:This presentation will summarize the current best practice recommendations for the first aid management of accidental hypothermia and cold injuries through combining the existing ARC Guidelines with key advances identified through the literature review, and the key management recommendations stemming from expert opinion. This will provide attendees with a cohesive set of clinical practice recommendations which can be used in the field.

UCTM—An Ambidextrous Service Innovation Framework—A Bottom-Up Approach to Combine Human- and Technology-Centered Service Design

Digital innovation is a key success factor for business enterprises and organizations concerned with public safety. Increasingly shorter technology cycles produce a stream of highly promising gadgets and smart devices and this innovative provision opens a gap between what is currently in use for the value-creation processes of an organization and what could potentially be used. The presented framework provides guidance on how to implement dynamic capabilities needed for business model and service innovation within a complex socio-technical system. A way to combine technology and use-case sensing with the ultimate aim of creating innovative artifacts for organizations is presented. While Business Model Innovation (BMI) literature mainly focuses on a strategic top-down process, we propose a bottom-up process-driven approach to complement business frameworks. Based on these insights, new service artifacts can be designed and analyzed in a systemic way. The applied research methodology is based on the design science research concept. A qualitative approach with focus groups was used to gather user requirements and facilitate participatory and user-centered design of information systems. In this paper, we provide a framework that supports business executives as well as IT experts on how to cope with and integrate new technologies into organizations, their processes, and their business models. In addition to a comprehensive theoretical overview of the proposed framework, we also provide practical results, since this framework was applied in the course of a service design and engineering research project. A use case of alpine rescue missions serves as an example to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed framework.

ПЕРШІ РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ МЕТЕОРОЛОГІЧНИХ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕНЬ В ОБСЕРВАТОРІЇ НА ГОРІ ПІП ІВАН

Chornohora is the highest mountain ridge in the Ukrainian Carpathians. There are six peaks with an altitude 2000 m. a.s.l. The range is a climatic barrier for air masses along the northwest – southeast. This study is important for understanding of the physical and geographical processes in the whole region. In addition, Chornohora not sufficiently researched compared to other mountain ranges of the Carpathians. The High-Mountain Meteorological and Astronomical Observatory (HMAO) at Pip Ivan Mt. was opened on July 29, 1938. The National Institute of Meteorology (Poland) served it. Copies of the data sheets Meteorological Observations Results (pol. Wyniki Spostrzezen Meteorologicznych) from the HMAO at Pip Ivan Mt. were successfully preserved in the private collections (October 1938 – July 1939). As is characteristic of these altitudes, there was a significant dynamics of changes in weather parameters from day to day. The average monthly atmospheric pressure values were lower for the winter months than for the summer months. The average temperature at Pip Ivan for 10 months was 0.8°С. It should be noted that the total rainfall during the study period at the station was 942.5 mm. Permanent snow cover on Pip Ivan Mt. laid from December 5 to April 9. The average wind speed for 10 months was 9.7 m s-1. Before the Second World War, there was also a branch of the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw. The place is remarkable in terms of distance from light sources. However, the average cloudiness in October 1938 – July 1939 at Pip Ivan was 7.6 (on a scale of 0-10). Within 10 months, the average cloudiness less than 20% were only 18 days. This is not enough for the astronomical observatories. From the available sources, we know that during the Soviet occupation (half of 1940 to June 1941) the weather station with a wide range of research was operated at the HMAO. We did not find any original records of observations of this period in Ukrainian archives. Probably after the collapse of the USSR, data stayed at the Archives of Russia’s Federation. After the Second World War, the Observatory was abandoned and subjected to destruction of the natural environment. Nowadays the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University and the University of Warsaw are actively restoring the building of the Observatory. The modern name of the institution is the International Scientific Center “Observatory” (ISC “Observatory”). There already works 24/7 Ukrainian-Polish mountain search and rescue service. Also the following subdivisions are planned: meteorological and astronomical observations, integrated research laboratories with a wide spectrum of research on the Earth and environment, the place of practice for students and shelter for tourists. Recently (February 22, 2019) Precarpathian University signed a grant agreement: “Adaptation of former observatory on the Pip Ivan mountain for the needs of alpine rescue service training center” which includes the installation of a modern Automatic Weather Station. Within the framework of which large-scale studies are planned to measure the following parameters: atmospheric pressure (PA), air temperature (mean – TM, minimum – TN and maximum – TX), cloud cover (CC), precipitation (RR), snow depth (SD), wind speed (WS) and direction (WDu). Based on the recorded indicators of the dry and moistened thermometer and the humidity sensor, timely and average values of water vapour pressure (VP), relative humidity (RH), dew point temperature (DWPT), vapour-pressure deficit (VPD) and as well as evapotranspiration (ET) will be calculated. Also In the Observatory solar radiation instruments are preparing to install, with a large range of investigated parameters – from sunshine duration (SUD) or albedo (AL) to the measurements of ultraviolet A (UV-A) and B (UV-B). The weather station will also include the air quality monitoring system, which will measure the chemical gases in the atmosphere (e.g. O3, SO2, Nx, CO i CO2). With the support of other institutions, the range of air quality monitoring will be expanded. The location for meteorological observations in the ISC “Observatory” is unique. In terms of scientific research, we will have continuous monitoring of atmosphere elements and of the natural environment as a whole at an altitude of over 2000 m a.s.l. Meteorological research at this station is reasonable and will be the main task of the Observatory. Also, the results of the observations will have practical application from day to day, such as timely warning of avalanche danger or as a search and rescue service. Given the great importance of this mountain ridge in terms of climate, as well as to understand the physical and geographical processes in the whole region, it is worth to use comprehensive researches of its environment. Along with the observations made in other parts of the Carpathians, it will allow us to understand better the climatic features as well as the whole environment of the Carpathian regions.

Spatial and temporal analysis of fatal off-piste and backcountry avalanche accidents in Austria with a comparison of results in Switzerland, France, Italy and the US

Abstract. In this article we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of fatal Austrian avalanche accidents caused by backcountry and off-piste skiers and snowboarders within the winter periods 1967/1968–2015/2016. The data were based on reports of the Austrian Board for Alpine Safety and reports of the information services of the federal states. Using the date and the location of the recorded avalanche accidents, we were able to carry out spatial and temporal analyses applying generalized additive models and Markov random-field models. As a result of the trend analysis we noticed an increasing trend of backcountry and off-piste avalanche fatalities within the winter periods 1967/1968–2015/2016 (although slightly decreasing in recent years), which is in contradiction to the widespread opinion in Austria that the number of fatalities is constant over time. Additionally, we compared Austrian results with results of Switzerland, France, Italy and the US based on data from the International Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR). As a result of the spatial analysis, we noticed two hot spots of avalanche fatalities (Arlberg–Silvretta and Sölden). Because of the increasing trend and the rather narrow regional distribution of the fatalities, initiatives aimed at preventing avalanche accidents were highly recommended.

Earthquake in Amatrice (Italy), August 24, 2016: The Role of the Medical Teams of the National Alpine Rescue Corp (CNSAS)

Earthquake in Amatrice (Italy), August 24, 2016: The Role of the Medical Teams of the National Alpine Rescue Corp (CNSAS)