Introduction
Adventure recreation in wilderness areas across the world has continually increased in popularity in recent years. In response, more intensive study has been devoted to analyze and compare search and rescue programs. Furthermore, less emphasis has been put on rescue programs in smaller European countries with rich histories of mountain travel and rescue, where development of rescue systems is ongoing.
Objective
To document trends in professional mountain rescue operations performed in Slovenia from 2011 to 2015.
Methods
This study is a retrospective case series which uses information detailing rescue and recovery operations. Data were obtained from the Slovenian National Mountain Rescue Association. This study reports longitudinal trends in numbers of rescues and compares numbers of both on-foot and helicopter-supported rescues. We also compared data on causes of activation of search and rescue and interventions requiring use of a helicopter in 2015 and the severity of injuries requiring evacuation.
Results
Altogether there were 434 mountain rescue operations in 2015. Among those involved, 206 (42%) were injured, 176 (36%) did not require treatment, 48 (10%) were due to illness, and 40 (8%) were found dead. The most frequent type of injury was lower extremity, and the most frequent cause of illness was exhaustion. One hundred ninety interventions (44%) used a helicopter. Of these, 49% were injured, 29% required no medical treatment, 15% were ill, and 7% of the patients were found dead.
Conclusions
The number of reported rescues preformed in the 5-year study period did not vary significantly despite increases in total mountain rescues throughout previous decades. A notable number of operations in the past year required the use of a helicopter, and the majority were the result of an injured patient. This study will help provide an understanding of incidents that arise in the Slovenian mountains and the response rescue services provided.