ÖAMTC Air Rescue Deployed 72 Times Per Day During Semester Break

"This winter was particularly low in snow, which in many places led to hard slopes and rocky, bare fall zones next to the runs," said Marco Trefanitz, Managing Director of the ÖAMTC air rescue. "Nevertheless, numerous winter sports enthusiasts did not let this spoil their fun on the slopes."

From February 1 to 23, the 18 emergency medical helicopters of the ÖAMTC air rescue launched a total of 1,336 missions to quickly assist people in need. Including the four winter locations - Alpin 1 (Patergassen), Alpin 2 (Sölden), Alpin 5 (Hintertux), and Alpin Heli 6 (Zell am See) - the number of missions increases to 1,666. "The number of missions clearly shows how essential our work is for emergency care. Our crews are ready under demanding conditions to help quickly and efficiently," says Trefanitz. "In addition to internal, neurological, and other acute emergencies, which are among our most frequent reasons for deployment year-round, numerous winter sports accidents were also recorded."

In recent weeks, 726 missions had to be carried out on Austria's ski slopes. A total of 437 skiers, 53 snowboarders, eight ski tourers, and 228 other winter sports enthusiasts were taken to hospitals after initial treatment at sometimes difficult-to-access accident sites. Once again, Tyrol recorded the most missions this year, with a total of 474 alerts for the yellow helicopters. Christophorus 4 in Kitzbühel took off particularly frequently with 108 missions. Close behind was Alpin 2 from Sölden with 96 missions, followed by Christophorus 5 in Landeck with 95 missions. The busiest days were February 4 and 20, with 90 missions each.

Most medically necessary missions by emergency medical helicopters are covered by social insurance. In the case of accidents in sports and leisure activities in the Alps, which account for about 11 percent of missions, billing is done directly with the patients. "The financial risk for those affected is low," explains Petra Zangerl, Head of Mission Billing. "Over 90 percent of flown patients are insured in some form." Marco Trefanitz also appeals to all winter sports enthusiasts to pay attention to their safety: "Especially when snow conditions are not ideal, it is particularly important to minimize the risk of accidents. Adjusted speed, observing the FIS rules, and mutual consideration are essential."

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