FORS MONTENEGRO FORSMONTENEGRO Foundation for the Development Fondacija za razvoj sjevera of Northern Montenegro Crne Gore

Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro The project is funded by the European Union

DIRECT

BROCHURE ON HOW TO ACT IN ALPINE TERRAIN From a geographical standpoint, are natural THE MOUNTAINS OF MONTENEGRO We hope that this brochure will be useful, that it will elevations of the earth’s surface attaining an altitude contribute to greater safety during stay in Montenegrin greater than 500 m. Mountains are formed and shaped by mountains, and that the tourists-hikers who visit our tectonic processes that could be classified as endogenic Montenegro is a South European and a Mediterranean mountains will carry away with them a most pleasant or internal (seismic an volcanic activity) or exogenic or country, mountainous and coastal at the same time, impression of their wild and breathtaking beauty. external (fluvial erosion – wearing away of soil by moving unique for its beauty, and one of the richest countries water, denudation – wearing down and stripping of the in in terms of natural resources. e mountains rocks due to temperature swings, atmospheric influences, of Montenegro belong to the Dinaric Range. and expansion of plant roots, erosion – mechanical e prominent massifs are Orjen, Lovćen and Rumija disintegration of rocks, etc.). in the south, and Maglić, Durmitor, Vojnik, Morača Mountains, Komovi, Prokletije in the continental region, The tallest mountain ranges in the world are: The with an average elevation of the mountain peaks of over Himalayas with the highest peak in the world Mount 2,000 above sea level. Everest or Chomolungma (8.850 m) and another 13 peaks of over 8.000 meters (K-2, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Our coastal mountains are not the highest, but are etc.), e Rocky Mountains, e Andes with the highest interesting for hiking precisely because they offer peak Aconcagua, The , The , Mount stunning panoramic views of Montenegrin coast and the Kilimanjaro, etc. Adriatic sea (the peaks of Lovćen, Orjen and Rumija). Europe is dominated by the Alps with the highest peaks Every year more and more tourists, especially those Mont Blan (4.810 m), , , , from abroad, visit our mountains. Nevertheless, due , etc. Some other prominent European to absence of legal framework governing offering and mountain ranges are e Pyrenees, e Apennines,e organizing of mountain tours, and due to inadequate Carpathian Mountains and The Dinaric Alps. The preparation, accidents in the mountains, some with highest peak in Europe is Elbrus on Caucasus (5.642 m). fatal outcomes, still happen. 2 3 WHAT TO DO BEFORE GOING TO as its proper use, is an important aspect of a safe stay ADVICE FOR MOUNTAINEERS  Bring a map and, if possible, a compass for any lon- THE MOUNTAIN in the mountain, especially in winter conditions. e ger trek. hiking shoes, preferably light and waterproof, are one of (Taken from website of the Mountain Recue Service of  Stay on the marked hiking trails. Before embarking on a trip to the mountain, it’s crucial the most important pieces of the equipment. Clothing Montenegro) to acquire certain knowledge, provide appropriate should be made of wicking fabrics that are breathable  Wear comfortable hiking boots with ribbed rub- equipment and ensure information that will make the and comfortambe, and is adapted to suit the weather  Choose a trip that suits your physical and techni- ber sole. conditions, so the best way to ensure it is to dress in activity safer for any mountaineer or a nature lover. cal abilities;  When choosing a mountain tour, we need to be aware layers. It is recommended for every mountaineer to Be particularly careful in the wintertime and keep of our own, and of psychophysical abilities of the other have a first aid kit and a cell phone with a fully charged  Do not go to the mountain alone; never leave the in mind that it gets dark early. participants (pay particular attention to whether any of battery that he must use rationally, in order to be able group;  Do not go to winter alpine tours in the area you to make a call in case of an emergency. the group members suffer from chronic illnesses, alergies,  Inform your family what direction you are going, are not familiar with. heart issues) and adapt accordingly. Moreover, we need the estimated time of return, and keep up with the to be informed in detail about the weather reports and  Do not go to the higher mountains in the win- plan; forecasts that are accessible through the website of the tertime if you are not accompanied by seasoned Institute for Hydrometeorology and Seismology of  Sign the visitors’ book in the mountain lodge; mountaineers in the hiking group. Montenegro (http://www.meteo.co.me/). Another thing   Do not go to the higher mountains for three to be done is to plan the route, the optimal number of Always ask for and follow advice of seasoned . breaks, as well as the return time. We also need to inform mountaineers; days after the heavy snowfall our family or friends about our trip to the mountain and  Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather, the estimated time of return. Appropriate equipment bring the extra set of warm clothes, a hat, and pro- that will protect us against wind, rain and cold, as well tection from rain and wind;  Always bring a flashlight, a candle, matches or a lighter;  Always bring a first aid kit. 4 5 DANGERS Subjective dangers are directly related to humans  In cases when the injury suffered is either severe minute. You may also signal for help by forming themselves and to their actions. A correct estimation or is preventing the injured from continiuing the the letter “Y” - “yes I need help” with your body ere are two types of dangers that climbers face during and awareness of one’s own abilities make the stay activity, alert the Mountain Rescue Service (standing straight with your arms spread out) or various alpine activities. Objective dangers posed by in the mountains much safer. ese types of dangers through the Operational-communication center by firing off a red distress flare. the alpine environment itself, and subjective dangers include: lack of experience, misjudgement of the of the Directorate for Emergency Management of You may submit the information regarding an which are human error factors. situation, lack of required skills and preparation, the Ministry of the Interior at 112. accident on a mountain or other inaccessible inadequate psychophysical condition, illness, being Objective dangers are always present and it  It is of vital importance to provide accurate terrain where aid of the Mountain Rescue inconsiderate of the guide and other participants in is vitally important to be able to recognize them information about the type of injury, overall Service is required through and adjust accordingly. By doing so, we reduce the the group. condition of the injured person, how the injury  the Operational-communication center of the negative impact they have on us to a minimum. HOW TO ACT IN CASE OF AN was sustained, your exact location and weather Directorate for Emergency Management of the Objective hazards include: exposure to adverse ACCIDENT conditions. Ministry of the Interior by calling the number 112 weather conditions, unconsolidated and slippery soil,  Mark the accident site or the place where the or +382 67 112 112 rockfall, temperature and UV effects, lightning strike,  Keep calm, and keep those around you calm; injured person is located (especially in wintertime) fog, storm, precipitation, wind, as well as from the animal attacks and bites and harmul effects of plants.  Assess the situation and, if possible, members of  If mobile phone is not available, call for help in the Information on the accident should contain In the winter period, additional danger comes from the group too. If anyone is injured, make sure you alpine or any other rugged terrain may be made the following information: avalanches, cracks in ice and snow, as well as from move them to a safe place; through the use of sound and light signals (disterss  e caller (first name, last name, phone number), snow cornices.  Protect the injured and yourself from any signal). Both the signal and the reply should be to enable later contact and to obtain additional immediate danger (from falling down, rockfalls, repeated until a stable and a clear connection information suffocation, the cold; the moist, etc.) is established. Distress signals (sound or light  Location from which the call is made and how the signals) are sent six times in the minute, every  Provide first aid for the injured person within the caller learned of the accident (as an eyewitness or other minute, while the reply is given by using the as an intermediary) extent of knowledge and abilities. same signs three times per minute, every other

6 7  Accident location (accurate description) SOME OF THE MOST COMMON  Familiarize yourself with both the routes you Rockfall ALPINE ACCIDENTS  e accident victim (name, surname, age); intend to take and configuration of the terrain and be aware the potential dangers. A tumbling or a falling rock poses a mortal danger in  What happened (cause of the accident and type of Slip and fall  Learn about the equipment required for an alpine the alpine terrain, and such accidents, much like others, injuries sustained); often happen without a warning. Rock detachment Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of tour;  What has been done so far (what kind of first aid usually occurs without any obvious cause, due to accidents in . ey usually occur on a wet  was provided, who else has been informed of the Never overestimate yourself, your form, or your temperature swings. surface (wet grass or leaves), steep slopes, unconsolidated accident); psychophysical preparedness; soil (small pebbles), ice-covered trails, ravines near the Wearing a helmet is the best protection from the falling  When you are on dangerous mountain trails, do  Weather conditions at the accident site. roads, exposed tree roots covered with leaves, etc. Major rocks or any other falling objects. An approved alpine not take photographs of the surroundings or talk causes of these accidents are inattentiveness and lack helmet is an excellent protection against potential head  Accessibility of the accident site. to the members of your group. Stay fully focused, of concentration, wrong route choice, misjudgemet of injuries. If you move along steep, vertical cliffs, it is best watch your step and make sure that you don’t slip. the situation, lack of appropriate equipment and many to flatten yourself against the rock and cover your head with your hands for additional protection in case of a other reasons. In the event of slip and fall accident, immediately throw yourself flat to the ground, your face towards rockfall. It is particularly important to chose a safe and In order to reduce this risk to a minimum, you shold the ground, and try to lift yourself up into a push-up protected place for your rest breaks. It is best to stay adhere to the following rules: position (legs slightly spread, fists clenched, pushing away from the dangerous places and slopes, especially  If you feel any signs of fatigue and exhaustion, take the tips of your toes into the ground). if there are people or animals on them. a break and rest; Advice: Try to practice this on a plain at the bottom  ADVICE: Avoid rockfall-prone terrain. Get If you notice potential danger, seek shelter imme- of a short slope (on the wet grass or snow) in a way around it! diately; coserve your enery and don’t act impru- described above. As you practice it, you will gain the dently; ability to better respond to a sudden slip and fall. If rocks start to tumble or fall around you, cover your head and look for shelter!

8 9 Lightning are in a group, keep a distance of at least 5 meters Signs of hypothermia: a blanket, clothing, newspaper, astro foil or a sleeping from each other. bag around all sides of the victim’s body. Call for help. The initial signs of hypothermia are cold sensation Mountaineering carries a risk of a lightning-strike. Potential warning signs of a lightning strike are: If human body fails to warm up by movement, it loses and shivering (even though this warning sign may be heat. Human body also has the ability to automatically Lightning and thunder are a common occurence in the Predznaci udaru groma mogu biti: sultry air, sudden absent). At later stages the feeling of cold disappears stop (direct away) blood flow towards peripheriy (arms, alpine terrain during the summer months. Be mindful drop of atmospheric pressure, formation and gathering of black clouds, wind slowing down, distant thunder (it and is replaced by fatigue, lassitude and drowsiness. All legs, face) in order to to conserve it for the vital organs. of the cloud formation and take shelter at the first sign is already dangerous at this point), electrical charge in physical and cognitive functions slow down. In some of a thunderstorm approaching or at the first sound of cases, hallucinations may occur. As the temperature the air (hair stands on end, crackling sound). ADVICE: When you go mountaineering, always thunder. decreases, the loss of consciousness may ensue. Breathing How to protect yourself from the lightning: the wear a protective jacket and trousers (Goro-Tex or Measures to be taken: only way to protect yourself is to find a safe, preferably and heart rate decrease. Left untreated, hypothermia similar) in your backpack; bring also hat and gloves,  if you are in the forest, seek shelter under the branches permanent shelter, in a timely manner. If such shelter leads to death due to heart and respiratory system failure. astro-foil or a sleeping bag in the wintertime. of a low stand of trees– never stand under a tall, is not available, it is best to go to a dense forest, crouch isolated tree; or lie on the ground. PROCEDURE if the person with hypothermia  Avoid the border between the forest and the open is concious: space, go to the forest instead; Cold/hypothermia If there is a protected room, a home, or a shelter in  Avoid open fields, lone trees, rock bases, hilltops the vicinity, bring the person inside, replace the damp and mountain peaks, shores, ditches or other damp and wet clothes with dry and warm clothes; warm the In mountaineering circles, hypothermia is often called places; person up with different clothing items; if possible, give the ‘’silent death’’. Hypothermia is a state of reduced  Do not cross water, do not swim; the person warm, sweetened, soft drinks. You can use body temperature that occurs when a body loses hot water bottles and similar heat sources (if available)  Do not hold an umbrella or any other conductive more heat than it can generate. Exposure to cold for heating, but do not apply them directly to the skin, metal objects (fishing rods, etc.) in your hands; temperature, exhaustion, and alcohol intoxication but over layers of clothing or blankets. If you do not  increase susceptibility to hypothermia. Do not stand straight. Crouch or at least bend down have a warm room at your disposal, try to wrap without touching the ground with your hands. If you 10 11 Exaustion/fatigue ADVICE: Remeber to eat frequently and drink plenty one, the only thing you can do is to move aside. If you such as arms that stick out of the snow, snowboards, of fluids; occasionally take planned rest breaks. Stay can not avoid the avalanche, ie. being trapped inside gloves, etc. In case of multiple casualties, try to dig Exhaustion/fatigue is a lack of physical, intellectual warmly dressed to avoid unecessary dissipation of one, try to grab a tree (if you are in a surrounding that them out enough to allow breathing, do not waste and emotional energy. Exhaustion can cause death if energy: when it’s cold, your body uses up more enegry allows it). If you cannot avoid getting caught in the time of getting them out of the snow completely. all energy reserves become drained. Such examples to stay warm. Pick your route and make informed avalanche or grab a tree, then you have to try to stay Immediately go to another victim, and so on. Dig are very rare, because the human body has several decisions according to your physical and mental afloat by swimming as hard as you can. out those closest to the surface first. in-built safety mechanisms for protecting itself against preparedness. Mountain offers you various options. When the avalanche finally settles, the debris and extreme exhaustion. Alcohol consumption aggravates Set your goal and pace in such way that you find the the scattered snow take only few seconds to freeze bodily exhaustion. When combined with hypothermia, activity pleasurable and that you actually enjoy it. and harden like concrete, so any action you intend to exhaustion may leave a person in a critical condition. take shold be taken before the avalanche stops. It It’s virtually impossible to get out from being trapped by Avalanches an avalanche on your own. In case that you see a victim caught in the avalanche, Avalanches rank among the greatest winter hazards watch carefully how the avalanche moves and look at in the mountains. If you are at least slightly informed the victim, so that you can later locate him/her in the about avalanches, you increase your survival chances avalanche as precisely as possible. at will reduce the in the event of an accident. time required for the search. Do not go to look for help Avalanches are mainly triggered in high, inaccessible under any circumstances. ere is very little time, maybe areas due to conditions that normally exist in such only a few minutes of breathing time under snow,so environments, but each slope steeper than 15 degrees you should make most of every minute while trying represents a potential danger of avalanches. to help the casualty. If possible, alert the competent If you see an avalanche coming, or if you have started rescue service. Quickly, but carefully look for the clues

12 13 ADVICE: is danger requires special training and use  If you see cracks in the snow, that is an obvious of mountain travel equipment. In case you lack sign of a potential avalanche. any of the two, engage the services of a guide. If you are not familiar with the avalanche rescue  e greater the distance between the cracks, the techniques and if you have the least doubt, do Project information greater the avalanche risk. not put your life, and the lives of your friends  Do not go to steep slopes. who are taking part in the search at risk and  Be watchful for the change of weather, because alert the specialist rescue teams at once. is brochure has been produced within the that increases the possibility of an avalanche being project DIRECT – Disaster Resilient Commu- triggered. nities and Towns whose aim is to prepare the local communities, institutions and services for  Do not go to potentially dangerous areas alone. If a more effective response to natural and other you divide into groups, stay close enough to the disasters. e project is realized by FORS Mon- other groups so that you can see and hear each tenegro and the Directorate for Emergency Man- other. agement of the Ministry of the Interior in part-  Do not go to the areas of deep snow that is less nership with the Fire and Rescue Service of Kranj than 3 days old, and generally avoid deep snow of the Republic of Slovenia, e Fire and Rescue pockets. Brigade of the Moravian-Silesian Region and e Czech Association of Fire Officers from the Czech Republic. e project is funded by the Di- rectorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).

14 15 FORS MONTENEGRO FORSMONTENEGRO Foundation for the Development Fondacija za razvoj sjevera of Northern Montenegro Crne Gore

Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro The project is funded by the European Union

e creation of this brochure was supported by the European Union. e contents of the brochure are the sole responsibility of the Directorate for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro and FORS Montenegro - the Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro and can in no way be taken to reect the views of the European Union.

Partners on the project:

Gasilsko reševalna služba Kranj Fire Rescue Brigade of Czech Association Slovenija Moravian - Silesian Region of Fire Officers