LITMIR.BIZ

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telephone numbers: Europe 112; Switzerland 144; Italy 118

      Whilst trekking should not be a high-risk activity there are increasing numbers of accidents, even on non-glaciated terrain. This is partly because more and more people walk in the Alps, but it is also a factor of the adventurous terrain that is being accessed by footpaths. Glaciated terrain brings its own objective hazards, but these are minimal on the gentle slopes encountered on the Tour of the Matterhorn. Nevertheless, for all Alpine walking you need to consider emergencies that could arise. If you are well equipped and prepared you will hopefully avoid, or at least know how to deal with, most situations.

      Note There are no pharmacy facilities between Zermatt and Cervinia (at least seven days' walking).

      First aid

      All walkers should carry a basic first aid kit in their rucksacks. However, although the trek described here is multi-day, there are opportunities to get medical supplies if needed or to abandon the route for a few days. In addition there are good and reliable rescue services in the Swiss and Italian regions covered, so the first aid kit can be kept to the essentials:

       plasters

       painkillers

       aspirin

       treatment for diarrhoea

       antiseptic cream

       crêpe bandage

       fly repellent

       antihistamine cream

       scissors

       tweezers

       antiseptic wipes

       wound dressing

       blister kit

       latex gloves

       triangular bandage (or use a scarf or bandana)

       bivvy bag or space blanket (shiny foil)

      This kit allows treatment of most emergencies that could be encountered during this walk. Resourcefulness is most useful: for example, a trekking pole can be used to splint an injured arm or leg. However, if a problem becomes serious then you should be prepared to leave the trek. It is not recommended to continue if, for example, you have an upset stomach which prevents you eating properly or risks leading to dehydration, or some form of infection, such as a blister that has become ulcerated. Continuing to hike day after day with an ongoing condition could cause long-term damage.

      Potential problems on the hill

      As well as carrying the gear it's also crucial to know what to do in the event of incidents that can happen during mountain walks:

      Heart attack Everyone should have basic first aid knowledge. Treatment of a heart attack victim goes beyond the scope of this guide but should be learnt at a first aid centre. This is knowledge that hopefully is never used, hence the need for regular refresher courses.

      Hypothermia If you are walking in the summer months you would not expect to be at risk of hypothermia, which is generally associated with winter expeditions and high-altitude mountaineering. However, there are a surprising number of incidences of hypothermia each summer in the non-glaciated Alps. In addition, on the Tour of the Matterhorn you are flirting with the high mountains and attaining altitudes of nearly 3500m. In classic summer hypothermia cases the victim becomes very hot and consequently sweaty whilst walking uphill, then cools very quickly, exacerbated by wind chill and tiredness. The same situation can arise during bad weather, when snow is frequent above 2000m even in the summer. The victim's core body temperature drops slightly, and the body's response is to cut off circulation to the outer extremities. Hands and feet become very cold; the victim starts to shiver and to become irrational, unable to make basic decisions such as stopping to eat and put on warm clothes. Eventually a comatose state is reached, and death will follow quickly.

      The best action to take against hypothermia is to avoid it in the first place. When the summit is reached or the wind gets up, put on an extra layer straight away; don't hesitate to change your planned route if necessary. The symptoms of impending hypothermia (sometimes referred to as exposure in the early stages) should be recognised and dealt with as soon as possible: give the victim warm drinks and food and put on clothing; a hat will prevent considerable heat loss. If feasible the walk should be cut short to get the victim down to the valley for warmth and rest. If the situation has already become more serious, with the victim displaying irrational and aggressive behaviour, it is imperative to act quickly. Once the stage of coma is reached the rescue service must be called as the group cannot move the victim themselves. At this stage the victim must be kept warm, insulated from the ground as well as from the elements, and not moved.

      Altitude sickness It is unlikely that true altitude sickness will be encountered on the Tour of the Matterhorn as mostly the trail remains around and below 3000m. Whilst people may sometimes think they are feeling the effects of the high altitude, altitude sickness is really only encountered above 3000m. However, those coming from sea level will certainly feel breathless the first day or so hiking in the Alps. To what extent this is due to the thinner air and to what extent to the inclines is a moot issue. Were you to start immediately with an ascent of the Breithorn it is very likely that you would feel bad, and serious sickness is a possibility. When going high be sure to drink plenty of water and, if necessary, take small doses of aspirin for headaches. Remember to keep to lower altitudes for the first days of a holiday.

      Summit of the Breithorn (Stage 7 variant)

      Falls The outcome of a fall can range from minor scrapes and grazes to sprained and broken limbs, or worse. The former are easily treated with dressings and antiseptic creams. Sprains can be strapped up effectively, and the victim can usually make his way down with help. Broken limbs can be splinted using a trekking pole, but whether the victim can walk down depends on where the break is and the severity of it: if in doubt call the rescue service. Anything worse requires help from professionals; back and head injuries are potentially very serious so the victim should not be moved (unless by staying where they are further injury is likely) and the rescue service should be called immediately.

      Rescue

      Should the unthinkable happen and you do have to call the rescue services, it's reassuring to know that compared to many mountain areas the Alps are relatively friendly in an accident situation. Given good weather you can expect the mountain rescue to arrive within a short time of your call. In Switzerland and Italy there are professional rescue services, using trained rescue personnel, doctors and Guides. They generally operate with helicopters from a base very near town. Only in bad weather will the helicopter be unable to fly, in which case a rescue party might be sent on foot; this could take a lot longer.

      However, calling the rescue should be seen as a last resort. Since mobile phones have become part of the walker's kit list the rescue get called out for the most trivial of reasons, ranging from tiredness to being late for a restaurant reservation. It should be remembered that having the back-up of such a service is a privilege not to be abused.

      In the case of a genuine need for rescue use the following procedure.

       Call the rescue services on 112 or: Italy Aosta Valley 118 Switzerland Valais 144

       Have the following information ready:Your name and mobile phone numberThe nature of the accidentThe number of victimsThe seriousness of the victim's injuries – is he conscious?Your position, itinerary, altitudeThe time of the accidentThe current weather conditions – wind and visibility

       Prepare for the arrival of the helicopter team by putting the injured person somewhere accessible. This will not always be possible but, if feasible, find a flat place where the helicopter can land. Do not move an unconscious patient or one who may have back injuries. In all events secure the victim and also all equipment. Keep everyone else away from this area; the helicopter will generate a lot of wind when it arrives.

       Make

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