Greek rescue team issues mountain hiking safety guidelines

The İskeçe branch of the Hellenic Rescue Team has issued practical advice for safe mountain hiking, emphasizing that proper preparation can make the difference between an enjoyable outdoor excursion and a rescue operation.

Following several recent accidents in the region, volunteers from the İskeçe branch of the Hellenic Rescue Team have urged hikers to take greater precautions before heading into the mountains.

The area offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities, with trails, forests, the Nestos River, Stavroupoli and the Livaditis Waterfall attracting increasing numbers of hikers.

However, the rise in mountain tourism has also highlighted the importance of better safety awareness.

A recent incident on July 19 demonstrated the challenges that can arise on mountain trails. A hiker injured on the path leading to Livaditis Waterfall had to be transported on a specialized stretcher through difficult terrain before reaching a point accessible to an ambulance. Fire Service personnel, the Emergency Response Unit (EMAK) and volunteers from the Hellenic Rescue Team's İskeçe branch took part in the rescue operation.

The rescue team stressed that such incidents should not discourage people from exploring the mountains. Instead, hikers should approach outdoor activities with proper preparation and respect for the environment.

Essential equipment for a day hike
Hikers do not need professional mountaineering equipment for a typical day trip, but several basic items should always be carried.

Proper hiking footwear is among the most important. Mountain trails can include rocks, mud, roots, steep slopes and slippery sections. Appropriate soles and adequate ankle and foot support can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Water is also essential. The amount needed depends on the duration and difficulty of the hike, as well as weather conditions. Hikers should never assume that safe drinking water will be available along the route.

Food and a small energy reserve, such as nuts or an energy bar, should also be included.

Mountain weather can change rapidly
Even a hike that begins under clear skies can develop into a very different situation within minutes.

The rescue team therefore recommends carrying a waterproof or windproof jacket and an additional dry layer. During summer, hikers should also carry a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

A headlamp is another item that should not be overlooked.

A delay, injury or navigational mistake can leave hikers on the mountain after sunset. A compact headlamp and spare batteries take up very little space but can become critical in an emergency.

A mobile phone is not enough
Hikers should begin their trip with a fully charged mobile phone, while carrying a power bank is strongly recommended.

An offline map of the area should also be downloaded in advance, since mobile phone coverage cannot be taken for granted in mountainous terrain.

GPS can be a valuable navigation tool, but it does not replace route knowledge, preparation and common sense.

Carry a basic first-aid kit
A small personal first-aid kit should be part of every hiking backpack.

Basic supplies such as gauze, bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic and materials for treating blisters take up little space but can prove extremely useful.

Anyone taking regular medication should also carry the necessary medicines.

A survival thermal blanket and whistle are also recommended. Both are lightweight and compact but can become extremely valuable in an emergency.

Preparation is the most important piece of equipment
Before setting out, hikers should know:

• The exact route they intend to follow
• The distance and elevation gain
• The estimated duration
• The difficulty level
• The expected weather conditions
• The time of sunset

There is also a simple rule that can significantly assist rescue efforts:

Someone who is not taking part in the hike should know where you are going.

Hikers should share their planned route, starting point, the names of participants and their approximate expected return time with a trusted person.

If an emergency occurs and the group fails to make contact, this information can significantly narrow the area that rescuers need to search.

Never overestimate your abilities
One of the most common hiking mistakes is choosing a route that exceeds a person's physical condition or experience.

Turning back is not a failure.

If weather conditions deteriorate, fatigue becomes excessive, the trail is lost or sunset is approaching, returning may be the safest decision.

The objective in the mountains is not simply to reach the destination.

The real goal is for everyone to return safely.

What to do in an emergency
In the event of a serious accident, hikers should remain calm and avoid actions that could create a second victim.

They should call 112 and provide as much accurate information as possible, including what happened, how many people are involved, the condition of the injured person and, most importantly, their exact or best-known location.

A seriously injured person should not be abandoned without a compelling reason, and hikers should not attempt a dangerous evacuation unless there is an immediate threat to life.

The Livaditis incident demonstrated how difficult transporting an injured person through rugged terrain can be, even when trained rescue teams and specialized equipment are deployed.

Enjoy the mountains — but respect them
The region offers significant potential for hiking and outdoor activities. Livaditis, Stavroupoli and other areas around İskeçe provide opportunities for mountain recreation, with organized hiking activities already including routes around Gerakas, Livaditis and Stavroupoli.

The message from the rescue volunteers is not to fear the mountains, but to respect them.

Knowing the route, carrying essential equipment, checking the weather, understanding personal limitations and informing someone about your plans can make the difference between a safe outdoor experience and a difficult rescue operation.

Proper preparation ultimately allows hikers to enjoy the mountains while greatly reducing avoidable risks.