Autumn hikers urged to prepare for emergencies in the mountains

Hikers heading into the mountains this autumn should plan for changing conditions and know how to call for help, ORF reports. Naturfreunde Niederösterreich and Notruf Niederösterreich, the regional emergency service, have outlined how digital tools can assist in an emergency and where their limits lie.

In Austria, mountain rescue can be reached by calling 140. Callers should give their location as precisely as possible, using GPS coordinates or a digital map if they do not know the area. The free Notruf Niederösterreich app can send a user’s location and information entered in advance to the emergency dispatch centre while establishing a voice connection. Some information can also be sent by SMS where mobile data is unavailable, provided there is a mobile connection.

The app also lets users share their location with selected contacts for a limited time. Its tour log can store planned walks and contact details. If a hike is not marked as finished on time, the app first reminds the user, then may notify their contacts and, if there is still no response, trigger a rescue operation. These functions must be set up before setting off and do not replace calling emergency services directly after an accident.

Digital maps and hiking apps can help with planning, but routes should not be followed without checking their difficulty and possible hazards. Hikers should also consider their ability and fitness, said Roland Groll, a mountain guide, alpine police officer and member of the Naturfreunde Austria training team. Apps cannot replace the alpine skills required for a particular tour.

Autumn brings slippery paths, changeable weather and shorter days. The Naturfreunde recommend allowing extra time and taking weatherproof clothing, drinks, navigation aids, a fully charged phone and a headlamp. Late starts or underestimating walking times can leave hikers on the trail after dark.

Mountain rescue in Lower Austria and Vienna recorded more callouts this summer than in the previous year. Many involved people who were uninjured but needed to be brought out of the terrain, ORF reported on September 4.