Alpine distress signal

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The Alpine distress signal is a distress signal in the case of mountain emergency, an emergency in alpine areas. There are also special emergency call numbers, for use with the telephone service by which the emergency services can be contacted.

[edit] The Alpine distress signal

The Alpine distress signal traditionally consists of a signal by blasts from a whistle (may also be an air horn), which is repeated six times in the minute (every ten seconds). It is to be repeated after one minute of break in same manner.

The reply to such a signal is given with three indications per minute (every 20 seconds) and likewise repeated after one minute of break. Thus it can be confirmed to the person/party in trouble that its distress signal was received.

Whoever receives distress signals, should confirm and alert the emergency services.

The Alpine distress signal was introduced in 1894 on the suggestion of Clinton Thomas Dent and was soon adopted internationally.

The distress signal can also be a sound, light or sign characters:

Phonogram - z. B. loud calling, whistles, Jodler o. ae. (deep tones are far audible) Light signals - z. B. blinkers or sun mirrors Signs with remarkable articles of clothing, branches etc..

In alpine areas of Europe any abuse of the emergency is liable to prosecution.

[edit] emergency call numbers

In Europe in principle the standardised European emergency call number 112 can be used. Mobile Phones can also be used but it must be understood that in mountainous areas that mobile phones services may not always be accessed.. In Austria the number is 140 for the mountain rescue purposes.

In some countries mountain rescue is the responibility of the Civil Defence organisation of that country.

Alpine region

Austria:

140 ( the mountain rescue emergency call number)

Switzerland: A special call number for the mountain rescue gives is 144 emergency call number of the medical emergency call centers, applies also in Vorarlberg; 1414

Bavaria 19222 - here one achieves via fixed net the next rescue directing center, with the mobile telephone must one a regional preselection use, therefore is the 112 or in alpine proximity the Austrian 140 - the mountain emergency services co-operates closely - to prefer.