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We have another interview of our interesting series for you. This time, we spoke with Miroslav Holuša, a mountain rescuer in the Jasná resort. What does the work of a rescuer of the Mountain Rescue Service entail?
“Our workday begins at around 7:00 am when the first on-duty rescuer conducts a safety check of the ski pistes. They take the cable car up to Mt Chopok and then carry out an inspection run, checking the condition of the pistes and the weather. The dispatcher records the weather conditions in the morning and exchanges information with the southern side of Mt Chopok. The drivers prepare the snowmobiles, ensuring they are ready for use. Medical equipment is checked, prepared and we wait for any calls for help.”
The Mountain Rescue Service contact numbers are 18 300 or 112.
What basic equipment do you always carry with you?
When we’re on duty, we wear high-visibility vests so that all skiers can easily spot us, and we carry essential medical supplies. On the pistes, we can immobilise legs or arms and carry blood pressure monitors and glucose meters. We can handle the most basic yet crucial tasks. Snowmobiles are a tremendous help in the resort – we simply can’t imagine working without them.
How many injuries do you deal with, and what are the most common ones?
On some days, we deal with as many as 25 injuries. The most common accidents occur when skiers overestimate their abilities, with the majority involving lower limbs, particularly knees.
What do you think is the most frequent cause of accidents?
Pistes running down from Mt Chopok are marked with barriers, flags or signs indicating that they are pistes. However, in poor weather, skiers can easily lose their bearings. Or, if they’re speeding and cross the barriers, they can suddenly find themselves in freeride terrain.
How should we act if we come across an injured skier?
If we encounter an accident or see someone in trouble on the piste and we’re the first to arrive, the first step is to remove our skis and cross them upright in the snow at a safe distance uphill from the injured person. Then, we try to calm the casualty down and wait for the rescuers to arrive.
What should we do if a snowmobile is approaching on the piste?
If I see a snowmobile approaching while skiing, the best is not to make any sudden changes of direction. Instead, indicate with your hand or pole where you plan to turn. In general, skiers should stay alert and slow down when they spot a snowmobile.
Where can we find you in the resort?
In Jasná, we have two first aid stations located next to ski pistes. One is in the area of Lúčky, and the other is at Biela Púť. Our main base is also at Lúčky, though it’s further away from a piste.
How does an air rescue mission work?
In severe cases, we sometimes call in an air rescue helicopter. There are specific spots where pilots find it easiest to land. However, they might have to land directly on a piste in critical situations.
What should we do if we see a helicopter approaching?
The landing is the most critical moment during a helicopter rescue, and overly curious or overly eager visitors can pose a risk too. When pilots land on a piste or in designated areas, it’s very unsettling for them if people are moving around near the landing site. They need everything to remain stationary to ensure no obstacles are struck by the rotor.
Are there other situations where people need your help?
We are often called when someone gets lost or becomes stuck in a freeride zone or on icy terrain.
What should we do if we find ourselves on icy terrain?
If you end up in icy terrain, even on an open piste, it’s crucial not to remove your skis. Find a safe spot to stop and call for help.
What message would you like to send to all skiers?
It’s clear and completely natural for all of us to come to the mountains seeking adventure, adrenaline and the chance to enjoy a well-deserved holiday. However, we must remember that, especially on ski pistes and in resorts, we’re not alone.
