Accidents can happen despite all precautions. In high mountain terrain these tend to have greater complications and consequences than elsewhere.

The most frequent accidents we find in the Tatras are:

Missing person. If someone fails to return from a hike on time, after a reasonable wait notify the Tatras' Mountain Rescue Service. Such notification is of serious importance, especially in bad weather. (If a tourist does not return from a walk within a settled area, please notify the police instead.)

Light injury or fatigue. Find a safe place for the injured person to rest, assist him, and, if you have the necessary equipment, after a rest help him to the nearest transportation, chalet or settlement. From there, arrange for suitable transportation.

Heavy injury, inablility to walk further. Find a safe place for the injured person, give first aid, and make sure he is protected from cold. Then as quickly as possible get a message to the Mountain Rescue Service. Inform them as to the injury and exact location of the injured person. Do not leave the injured person alone -- even in bad weather someone must remain with him.

Getting lost and trapped in heavy terrain. Hikers who keep to marked hiking trails avoid this situation. However, if you see or hear someone calling for help, it is necessary to define the place as exactly as possible, and then send a message to the nearest station of the Mountain Rescue Service. If the situation allows, it is best to keep contact with those in trouble and let them know the Mountain Rescue Service is informed.

Tatras' Mountain Rescue Service - Nonstop service:
www.hzs.sk - official pages of Mountain Rescue - only in Slovak