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A rescue helicopter in action in the Bernese Alps

Mountain Rescue

All mountain activities involve a degree of risk, and participants should be aware of the fact and accept responsibility for their own actions. Since accidents occur in the Alps every year and in every season, it is important to know the procedure for calling out the rescue services. Remember, the cost of an emergency rescue and subsequent medical treatment can be extremely expensive. Be properly insured – see the section in Practicalities above. (It’s advisable to leave a copy of your insurance details with a responsible person at home, and to carry with you photocopies of important documents, such as passport information pages and insurance certificate, as well as an emergency home contact address and telephone number.)

Notification of an accident

Should you witness, or be involved in, an accident in the Swiss Alps, raise the alarm by calling the local police who organise mountain rescue; the number is 117. If you do not have a mobile phone, or cannot get a signal, remember that telephones are located in most mountain huts, including bivouac huts. Hut guardians will normally help co-ordinate the rescue call-out.