One-Third of Fire Helicopter Dispatches Concentrated... Autumn Hiking Advisory Issued
Frequent Incidents of Other Mountain Accidents, General Distress, Slips, and Falls
The National Fire Agency has urged special caution in observing safety rules during mountain hiking as the number of mountain accidents continues to rise with more people visiting mountains in the autumn season.
According to statistics from the National Fire Agency on the 4th, the total number of mountain rescue cases nationwide over the past three years from 2020 to 2022 was 33,022, with the number of rescued individuals showing an increasing trend each year (7,180 in 2020 → 8,348 in 2021 → 8,706 in 2022). By month, the number of incidents begins to surge starting in September when the weather cools down, with 25% of all dispatches concentrated in the two months of September and October.
By cause (type), accidents varied including slips and falls, personal illnesses, getting lost, slipping on wet fallen leaves, tripping over rocks causing ankle injuries, and hiking under the influence of alcohol. Among these, the number of mountain accidents requiring fire department helicopter dispatches over the past three years was 2,903, accounting for about 10% of all mountain accidents. During the autumn months (September to November), 1,014 dispatches were made, representing 35%, showing a tendency to concentrate during this period.
The National Fire Agency stated that if an accident occurs during a hike, one should immediately report to 119 after confirming the mountain location signboards installed on the trail or familiar landmarks. They also advised that after providing first aid using emergency medical supplies available in the simple rescue kits, hikers should calmly wait for the rescue team to arrive.
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Kim Seung-ryong, Director of Equipment Technology Bureau at the National Fire Agency, said, “Although fire department helicopters are prepared to respond quickly anytime and anywhere, accident prevention is the most important.” He added, “We ask all citizens to strictly follow safety rules during mountain hiking, including checking weather information.”
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