On Friday, 5 August 2011, above Ajdovska deklica, the police officers of the Mountain Unit and Police Aviation Unit, together with Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia representatives, demonstrated a mountain rescue helicopter manoeuvre, which could be observed in front of Erjavčeva koča, under Vršič pass.
In this scenario, one person was hurt. After being administered basic medical care, the injured person was placed into a helicopter rescue bag and lifted using an electric hoist, accompanied by an airborne rescuer, into the helicopter. This was a demonstration of a typical task carried out by the Slovenian police, a skill that needs to be both maintained and developed.
The demonstration exercise involved a police helicopter equipped with the Police Aviation Unit crew, an airborne police officer from the Special Police Unit - Mountain Unit, and an airborne rescuer from the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia.
The field exercise was also observed by Minister of the Interior Katarina Kresal, Deputy Director General of the Police Matjaž Šinkovec, Director of the Police Specialities Directorate Robert Sušanj and Head of the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia Igor Potočnik. Assistant Commander of the Special Police Unit and Head of the Mountain Unit Robert Kralj and Janez Brojan, an airborne rescuer from the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia took part in the exercise.
In addition, members of the Special Police Unit - Mountain Unit, Police Aviation Unit, and the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia put the gear they use on display, including the helicopter and its equipment. At the same time, they presented the equipment and accessories required when visiting the mountains.
All mountaineers, climbers and other visitors to the mountains should come well prepared for the trip, as they can do the most to ensure they have a safe trip.
Mountaineers can do a great deal to avoid accidents, or to at least reduce the number of accidents, by sticking to some basic rules. Appropriate footwear should be worn in order to prevent slipping, and a helmet should be worn in order to protect from falling rocks. The Trail signposts should be followed and the weather closely observed.
Take care and good luck!