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, mountains 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 Europe in terms of natural resources. e mountains rocks due to temperature swings, atmospheric influences, of Montenegro belong to the Dinaric Mountain 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 Alps, The Caucasus, 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), Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, Jungfrau, from abroad, visit our mountains. Nevertheless, due Grossglockner, 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 mountaineering.