Mountain Rescue Service

300 to 400 visitors to this area every year find themselves in need of the expert help provided by the Mountain Rescue Service of the Tatras National Park.

The Service's main purpose is preventive and lifesaving activity, to ensure the safest possible movement of visitors within the Tatras National Park (TANAP).

Most of their work involves high mountain terrain. For example:

search for lost individuals in TANAP, day or night and without regard to weather, upon notification by family, friends, accomodation management or the authorities
provision as necessary of first aid and transport of the injured to medical attention, by air if advisable
rescue of individuals, including those not injured, who are unable to get out of problematic locations
maintenance of hiking, training, skiing and mountain-climbing trails with support of trail markings, maps and signing, assistance in difficult terrain (railing, chains, etc.) and inspection and maintenance of record books on mountain peaks and in accomodations
inspection of trail conditions to evaluate safety
dissemination of information on conditions, via Mountain Rescue Service dispatching and information centers and mass media
educational activity in the interest of teaching TANAP visitors how to safely enjoy the park and help preserve its environment

Safety tips for hikers and mountaineers

- Before you start, ask your accomodations manager, or directly with the Mountain Rescue Service, about the conditions on your planned route. Also, leave information about your plans in writing.

- Dress in layers.

- Carry everything you might need (clothing, food and water, first aid kit) in a backpack to keep your hands free.

- Start your hike early, to avoid the potentially dangerous need to hurry. Plan to rest often.

- Do not hike alone.

- If weather conditions get worse, do not hesitate to turn back.

- When passing chalets and other buildings, stop to sign their guest book.

- Keep to marked trails.

- Do not throw rocks or take short cuts -- these can endanger both yourself and others you may not be able to see.

- Avoid snow fields.

- When walking through treacherous terrain, attach children to a rope.

- Be especially careful on your return.

- Help those in trouble -- in the mountains this is a serious responsibility.

These tips are to help make your visit to the Tatras safe. Each year about twenty people (mountain-climbers as well as "ordinary" tourists) lose their lives in this park -- many of them ignored the simple advice given above. With a little care, your trip can be as safe as it is enjoyable.