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Emergencies

‘Help’ is aiuto (pronounced eye-yoo-toh) and Ho bisogno di aiuto means ‘I need help’. Experienced staff at refuges can be relied on for help whenever necessary.

Getting assistance

A mobile phone can be extremely useful for alerting emergency services. Reception is not guaranteed in many alpine regions, though high passes tend to have a better signal than deep valleys. An old-fashioned whistle (or torch after dark) may be the best option. Use the internationally recognised signals: the call for help is SIX visual or audible signals per minute, to be repeated after a minute’s pause. The answer is THREE visual or audible signals per minute, to be repeated after a minute’s pause. Anyone hearing a call for help must contact the nearest refuge or police station as soon as possible.

When communicating with the rescue service, be prepared to provide the following information: your name, where you are, the nature of the accident, how many people need help and what type of injuries, exact location – altitude, landmarks, atmospheric conditions, any obstacles for the helicopter (eg overhead cables).