Helicopter Mountain Rescue in Slovenia from 2011 to 2015.

INTRODUCTION: The popularity of adventure recreation in wilderness areas across the world continues to increase. Nevertheless, the risk of injury and illness remains significant. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mountain rescue operations performed in Slovenia between 2011 and 2015.

METHODS: This retrospective study reports mountain rescue operations documented by the Slovenian National Mountain Rescue Association. The annual number of ground-based and helicopter-based rescues were identified and compared. For 2015, the indication for rescue and the severity of injury were also analyzed, specifically for interventions requiring the use of a helicopter.

RESULTS: From 2011 through 2015, the number of rescues remained consistent with an annual average of 413 (SD ±15; range, 393-434) rescues. However, the percentage of ground-based rescues varied significantly year by year (P=0.016), with highest rate in 2014 (68%) and the lowest in 2015 (56%). In 2015, 434 mountain rescue operations were reported in Slovenia. Injury accounted for 44%, illness for 10%, and fatality for 9% of the rescues. In 37%, no illness or injury was reported. Helicopter rescue was used in 190 (44%) of all interventions. Among the 190 helicopter rescues, 49% of patients had nonfatal injuries, 29% required no medical treatment, 15% had illness, and 7% had fatal injuries.

CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of mountain rescue operations were conducted in Slovenia from 2011 through 2015. Most of these were needed for injured, ill, or deceased persons. A notable number of rescues in 2015 required a helicopter.