The rescue of 99 students and eight teachers from mountain distress in Kleinwalsertal on Tuesday evening caused a stir and was also an extremely unusual case for the Vorarlberg mountain rescue service. However, according to the mountain rescuers, several rescue operations had to be carried out recently because people relied on some apps and websites.
According to the press spokesman for the Vorarlberg mountain rescue service, Klaus Drexel, the school classes from Germany who were on a nationwide school week wanted to do an “after-work tour”. However, there is “a very demanding spot on the Heuberggrat when it is wet and slippery” – which was exactly the case. Some of the students were not equipped for this. In addition, when panic breaks out due to falls, the mood in a group changes quickly.
Fortunately, two helicopters were available to take the students to safety. These were flown down the mountain in groups of three. “You can calculate how many times to fly,” Drexel said. The weather conditions were also difficult with rain cells again and again.
Do not blindly rely on directions on the internet
Drexel strongly advised the APA not to plan routes based on descriptions on the Internet, as the teachers in Kleinwalsertal had done. “That’s very, very critical. There are also old, unkempt paths that are now overgrown,” Drexel noted. It’s easy to get into an “unfortunate situation”.
Schedule tours and ask questions
To seriously plan mountain trips, the mountain rescuer referred to the “PEAK mountain check” – “P” for planning, “E” for rating, “A” for equipment and “K” for checking. This includes clarifying questions like “What do I plan to do?”, “Is this hike right for me?”, as well as questions about the equipment and how you’re feeling during the hike. If in doubt about a tour, you can always contact the tourist office, the Alpine Club or the mountain rescue service. That creates certainty, Drexel recommended this procedure.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
