Retrospective study on search and rescue operations in two prealps areas of Italy.

OBJECTIVES: The rising number of people involved in outdoor recreation and tourism in mountain forest and wilderness areas close to urban areas has led to an increase of rescue efforts in the last decades. The study analyzes rescue operations in 2 mountain areas of the Veneto Prealps in Italy.

METHODS: A retrospective review of search and rescue incident reports for a 20-year period was performed. The study also takes into consideration any differences between accidents in the 2 areas in relation to the morphology and mountain activities involved.

RESULTS: There has been an increase in accidents, and the greater participation in mountain activities does not seem to be accompanied by an improvement in knowledge of the specific risks in this kind of environment. Inexperience is reflected in many reasons for callouts and is related to the remarkable rise in the number of rescued but uninjured people; the trend of fatalities and injuries is otherwise stable. Comparison of the 2 areas reveals differences in accidents mainly attributable to diversities in mountain activities involved that led to different health consequences.

CONCLUSIONS: Search and rescue missions in mountain areas are dangerous for rescuers and made difficult by the severe environment. The knowledge of accident characteristics is therefore very important and is necessary to reduce risks for tourists and healthcare costs. To tackle the problem of safety there is also a need for more information in the form of preventive education and publicity about the typical hazards.