Alpine distress signal
The Alpine distress signal is a distress signal in the case of mountain rescue, an emergency in mountain terrain. There are also special emergency numbers by which a telephone alerting mountain rescue services is possible.
The Alpine distress signal
The Alpine distress signal consists of an optical and / or audible signal of any kind, which is issued six times within one minute. It should be repeated after one minute rest in the same order, as long as there is a chance to be noticed by other climbers, mountain huts or in the valley.
The answer to such a signal is given with three characters per minute and also repeated after one minute break. This can be confirmed to the alerting party that his distress signal has been received.
Who receives emergency signals, should confirm this and pass the alarm to the Mountain Rescue Service or other agencies such as police or emergency services.
The Alpine distress signal was introduced in 1894 at the suggestion of the Englishman C. Dent and has proven itself internationally soon. This agreement attempts to meet the extreme, changeable and only partially predictable situations meet in exposed environment in alpine terrain.
The distress signal may be a sound, light or Winkzeichen:
- According characters - for example, shouting, whistling, shooting or hammering or similar (low tones are far more audible)
- Light signals - eg flashes or sun mirror
- Wave with flashy clothes, a bivouac sack, branches etc.
Emergency numbers
In Europe, can in principle be used 112 the unified European emergency number that can be selected using a mobile phone.
The Regulation " 967/ 08" of the German Bundesrat of emergency since the December 17, 2008 no longer possible without an activated SIM card. VoIP calls can be made on all respective accessible mobile networks, not only on the home network. In Austria, the 140 is designated as a special emergency number for mountain rescue. In other countries or regions, there are also partially emergency numbers specifically for alerting the mountain rescue service, partly through the alarm on key institutions of civil defense.
Emergency by radio
For emergency means of radio, see the section emergency radio emergency in the article.
Abuse
Intentionally or knowingly issuing a distress call or other emergency signals is unfounded in Germany would constitute a criminal offense ( § 145 StGB). Under certain circumstances, makes the offender liable for damages.
The abuse is similarly punished in other countries, such as Switzerland under Article 128bis of the Criminal Code.