– The most common things in the mountains are trampling and broken bones. It has been busy for Knut Anders Saglien, who is operational manager in the auxiliary corps of the Oppland Red Cross. He says that there is a clear increase in the number of people who injure themselves in the mountains this season. – This year, there is a doubling compared to the average from 2018 to 2021. From 1 June to 21 July this year, they have registered 21 injuries and search operations in their area. That is twice as much as the average for the last four years, which has been ten. POPULAR MOUNTAIN AREA: Jotunheimen attracts tourists and adventurous mountain walkers. In the picture, the water Øvre Leirungen is taken from Knutshøe. Photo: Mari Ranheim / news The aid corps covers areas where several of Norway’s popular mountain peaks belong, including Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovre. The increase in people injuring themselves occurs particularly in Jotunheimen, says Saglien. Increase in assignments at well-known tourist destinations – How are these figures reflected nationally? NATURAL DECREASE: Some have traveled out of the country this year, so it will be natural that there will be a decrease in the number of injuries in the mountains this year, Jarle Bjørge Øverland believes. Photo: Private – We are seeing an increase in assignments in places with the well-known tourist destinations in the high mountains and the slightly more challenging walks. That’s what Jarle Bjørge Øverland says. He is deputy chairman of the National Council Red Cross auxiliary corps. Since 2007, the number of rescue missions for the Red Cross aid corps has increased sharply. In fact, they have quadrupled. – It shows that there is a need for voluntary rescue organizations that can assist in helping to bring home those who injure themselves in the mountains. *The figures from 2019 are not entirely correct due to an error, says the Red Cross. Kjersti Løvik is national council leader in the Red Cross aid corps. She believes that the reason for more rescue missions is simply that more people are going on trips now compared to before. – More provision is being made for outdoor life, there are more hiking trails and more focus on the health effects of being outside. And then more accidents happen outside, she says. MORE GO HIKING: Kjersti Løvik, national council leader of the Red Cross Aid Corps, believes that the increase in rescue missions can be explained by more people going into the mountains now than before. Photo: Roar Dalmo Moltubak / Red Cross In addition, she points out that it is easier to report today than it has been in the past. If you injure yourself on a mountain trip In addition to trampling and broken bones in the mountains, it is also common for people to break collarbones and wrists. You may also feel unwell. – But what do you do if you end up getting injured? – You must go to a place where there is coverage. Then you call 113 and notify the Red Cross, says Saglien in Oppland Red Cross. He clarifies that if you are unable to go yourself, it is wise to have clarified with others when you will be back. Then they can possibly start looking. Mountain law 1) Plan your trip and report where you are going. 2) Adapt the tour according to ability and conditions. 3) Pay attention to weather and avalanche warnings. 4) Be prepared for storms and cold, even on short trips. 5) Bring the necessary equipment to be able to help yourself and others. 6) Make safe road choices. Recognize avalanche-prone terrain and unsafe ice. 7) Use a map and compass. Always know where you are. 8) Turn in time, there is no shame in turning. 9) Conserve your strength and seek shelter if necessary. Source: The Norwegian Tourist Association Saglien says that preparation and planning are the most important. You should have first aid equipment in your backpack, ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged before your trip and that you have a power bank with you if necessary. And you must tell others where you are going: – Say a specific time for when you will be back home, and stick to the route you have planned. Then it will be easier for others to find you. PLAN WELL: See the route you are going to walk, wear good shoes, take plenty of drink, food and clothes and remember a map and compass. This is among the advice given to the operational manager of the Oppland Red Cross’s aid corps. Photo: Lars Erik Skrefsrud / news In order to minimize the risk of minor injuries, the right choice of footwear is also essential. – I have picked up people with both crocs and bad trainers. It’s good to have some proper shoes that are designed for the trip you’re going on, he says. Here are Saglien’s tips for what should be in place before you set off on a trip: Tips before the trip Have a good time with food and drink. Be fit for the trip. Wear good shoes. Bring first aid equipment. Bring a power bank. Arrange a time for when to make contact, in case something should happen. Bring extra clothes. The weather can change quickly. If you are going high up in the mountains, a hat and mittens are a good idea. Check the weather forecast in advance. Pack with map and compass. Familiarize yourself with the trip. Bring mosquito repellant and sunscreen. Tip from Knut Anders Saglien, operational manager in the Oppland Red Cross aid corps.
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– Increase in the well-known tourist destinations such as Jotunheimen – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
