Last weekend, the police helicopter crew and the on-call mountain rescue team from the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia carried out eight rescue operations, transporting 21 individuals and one dog to safety. Unfortunately, a rescue attempt of a Slovenian climber who took a serious fall on an alpine route ended tragically despite the swift intervention.

Never hike alone! A foreign national who lost consciousness during his hike was fortunate to be spotted by a fellow hiker

On Saturday, 27 July 2024, the police helicopter was first dispatched to Mount Turska Gora, where a hiker was stranded due to a leg injury. The hiker was airlifted and transported to Kamnik.

The crew then proceeded to the Loka Wall in Bovec, where a Slovenian climber unfortunately succumbed to injuries sustained in a fall.

The third emergency flight on Saturday took the team to Mount Tosc to investigate a report of an abandoned backpack. After searching the area and finding no one in distress, it was concluded that the backpack, which contained no valuables, had likely been left behind. We strongly advise against this kind of behaviour!

The final rescue on Saturday took place on the Čez Prag route towards the summit of Mount Triglav, where a foreign hiker collapsed from exhaustion during the descent. He was fortunate to be found by a Slovenian hiker who called the mountain rescue for assistance. This incident highlights the importance of never hiking alone. The rescued hiker was transported to a medical facility.

Helicopter crew also assists dog bitten by snake

The police helicopter crew and the mountain rescue team carried out four more rescues on 28 July 2024. The first involved airlifting a dog bitten by a snake from Mount Jezerski Stog and transporting him to veterinary care. They then headed to Mount Triglav to assist a foreign hiker who was injured near the Kredarica mountain hut, and then proceeded to Mount Prevala where a cyclist suffered a fall.

Later in the afternoon, the team also evacuated 15 hikers, both adults and children, who were stranded at the Okrešelj mountain hut after the path to the valley was damaged in a heavy storm.

Busy summer for the police helicopter crew

This summer season, the police helicopter has already assisted in 78 rescue operations in the mountains and other challenging terrain, predominantly in the Julian Alps area. In 39 instances, the helicopter assisted with rescues on difficult trails and very difficult trails, while in 31 cases, it responded to incidents on easy trails.

In 12 cases, the hikers were either lost, stranded due to exhaustion or too frightened to continue on the chosen trail. Accident reports indicate that 15 individuals had sustained serious injuries, 34 suffered minor injuries and others required assistance due to medical conditions or other reasons. Unfortunately, one climbing accident was fatal. In two cases, the rescues spanned over two days. Most accidents occurred in the afternoons.

Injuries, exhaustion, and insect and snake bites as the most common emergencies

On three occasions, hikers required assistance due to insect or snake bites. This was also the case on 28 July 2024, when a dog was bitten by a snake.

We strongly urge all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash, as the high temperatures draw snakes to the surface to sunbathe. Your curious pup can easily disturb them while exploring. Snakes will attack if they feel threatened! In Slovenia, snake bites are most common during the summer months when snakes are particularly active. However, snakes are not the only threat to your four-legged friends. Ridge crossings, exposed slopes and sharp rocks also pose significant hazards. We recommend choosing routes with minimal risks to ensure the safety of your furry companions.