Rescuers test bivouac sack and balloon for Alpine emergencies

Mountain rescuers and firefighters in Mallnitz tested two new tools designed to protect people in Alpine emergencies or make them easier to find, ORF reported. The equipment included a lightweight bivouac sack and an emergency balloon.

The new Bivy 4, developed by the Austrian Alpine Club, mountain rescue teams and mountain guides, can shelter up to four people. It weighs 350 grams and costs around 86 euros.

Bivouac sacks are standard equipment for many mountain rescuers on longer tours or when bad weather is forecast. “When we go on high-altitude tours or tours that take longer, or when bad weather has been forecast, it is practically always with us,” said Johannes Huber of the Mallnitz mountain rescue service.

For the practical test, the Mallnitz fire brigade simulated a storm. A firefighting robot generated winds of around 80 kilometres per hour while water was sprayed over the sack. Three rescuers sheltered inside for 10 minutes.

They did not remain completely dry, but the sack retained heat. “There are three of us in here. The heat stays inside, which does make a difference,” said Alexander Wohlgemuth of the Mallnitz mountain rescue service.

Real thunderstorms could create more difficult conditions, Huber said, noting that the water used in the simulation came from a warm tank.

The second device tested was the Swiss-made Airmarker rescue balloon. It is intended to help people attract attention in an emergency, for example after a fall when they can no longer move away from danger.

A cylinder launches an orange balloon measuring around 44 centimetres across. According to the manufacturer, it can rise up to 45 metres and remain in the air for up to three days.

“It is clear that an orange balloon moving in the air attracts attention and is much easier for search teams to see,” said developer Rico Dürst. “Even if you can no longer move, the signal remains above you and clearly indicates that you are in an emergency.”

The test also examined whether the balloon could rise between trees. If there is some clear space above it, the balloon can find its way through the branches.

The device weighs around 890 grams and costs about 200 euros. Florian Ludwiger, head of the Mallnitz mountain rescue station, said its additional weight would be a key consideration, but that it could be useful in situations such as crevasse accidents.

The balloon can be illuminated at night, making it visible to search teams and helicopters.