The main purpose of the present thesis was to describe the current mountain rescue systems in Slovenia and several other Alpine countries, and to compare these mountain rescue systems to each other. Secondary aim was to analyze the statistics of mountain accidents and other data about mountain rescue, and provide some proposals and ideas to help optimize Slovenian mountain rescue service.
The data was obtained from official websites and/or collected through written and oral interviews. Data from foreign sources were translated and summarized. Based on the analysis of mountain accidents and mountain rescue interventions between 2017 and 2019, a comparison between the situation in Slovenia and other Alpine countries was made. The comparison included data about mountain interventions, accidents and deaths.
The Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia, which is responsible for mountain rescue in Slovenia, has a long and rich tradition. Although Alpine countries differ in their location and terrain, appropriate knowledge, equipment, organization and other resources are crucial for successful mountain rescue (especially in the highlands). As in Slovenia, mountain rescue in Switzerland and Austria depends on the volunteer rescuers. Helicopter rescue, an indispensable and most optimal solution in recent years, when the situation allows it, has already been partially entrusted to private airlines of Austria and Switzerland, while voluntary mountain rescuers and private helicopter companies in these two countries are cooperating and supporting each other. In France, mountain rescue is provided by three public services: specialized groups of police officers, gendarmerie and firefighters.
Currently, mountain rescue service in Slovenia is efficient and accessible. However, as the number of mountain accidents has been increasing recently, the current system in Slovenia will definitely need to be optimized. This master's thesis presents different proposals for optimization of the mountain rescue system in Slovenia. For example, insurance in the case of mountain accident would provide the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia with additional funding for operation, development and equipment. Furthermore, introduction of a professional mountain rescue team or participation of a military team, qualified for rescue in difficult conditions using a helicopter, would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue in the winter season, when the mountain rescue helicopter team is not on standby, and would also relieve volunteer mountain rescuers.
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