Company, event, date Name Ready for the mountain? Company, event, date Name Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Did you know that ... ... one third of the Swiss population goes hiking regularly? ... there are 65,000 km of hiking trails in Switzerland? ... every year, approx. 162 million hours are spent hiking? This adds up to more than 54 million days spent hiking each year. People hike for an average of 3 hours a day Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Up hill and down dale in safety Hiking is a popular and healthy pastime – but it can also be demanding in the mountains. A moment’s inattention and a slip or trip can lead to a tumble or even to a fall with fatal consequences in exposed places. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Non-occupational accidents in Switzerland, 2014 82,000 on the roads 418,000 when doing sport 564,000 in and around the house Every year, more than one million people are injured on the roads, when doing sport and physical activities as well as in and around the house. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Persons injured, by type of sport (Ø 2010-2014) Lektion Nr. 280 Persons injured, by type of sport (Ø 2010-2014) Type of sport Total Of which Ball games 137 000 Football 83 000 Winter sports 92 000 Skiing 51 000 Snowboarding 14 000 Cycling and skating (not in traffic) 32 000 Gymnastics, athletics 28 000 Mountain sports, hiking 24 000 Water sports 18 000 Other types of sports 80 000 Martial arts 21 000 411 000 Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Fatalities, by type of sport (Ø 2012-2016) Source: bfu, Status 2017 Total Mountain sports 45 (of which, 35 hiking / mountain hiking) Winter sports 25 Water sports 26 Flying sports 13 Other types of sport 12 Total 120 Mountain sports: hiking, mountain hiking, mountaineering, climbing Every year, approx. 409 000 people are injured when doing sport, 125 of whom fatally. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

PACE hiking check Plan: What do I intend to do? Assess: Is this hike suitable for me? Consider: Do I have what I need? Evaluate: How am I doing? Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Up hill and down dale in safety: Plan Plan your route, the time required as well as alternative routes. Take requirements into account: route category, gradients, exposed places and weather conditions. Tell someone else about your trip, particularly if you are setting off on your own. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Up hill and down dale in safety: Assess Assess your actual abilities realistically and do not demand too much of yourself. Include sufficient time and make sure you’re not too tired for the descent. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Route categories. Hiking trail:. No special demands on hikers Route categories Hiking trail: No special demands on hikers. Shoes with non-slip soles are recommended. Mountain trail: Mostly steep, narrow and exposed in places. Hikers must be physically fit, surefooted, have a head for heights and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Alpine trail: Sometimes across glaciers and scree, with short climbing sections, to some extent without marked trails. Hikers must be physically very fit, surefooted, have a head for heights, alpine experience and the corresponding equipment. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Up hill and down dale in safety: Consider Take along as little as possible and as much as is needed: Sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles Several layers of warm clothing: pullover, rain jacket, possibly a woollen hat and gloves Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen Up-to-date map, possibly GPS Food, drinks, penknife, possibly hiking poles For emergencies: first-aid kit, emergency blanket, mobile phone Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Up hill and down dale in safety: Evaluate Being tired can seriously affect your surefootedness. Drink, eat and rest regularly to stay fit and focussed. Keep track of the time needed and changes in the weather. Keep your distance from mother cows and sheep guarded by sheepdogs. Turn back in time if necessary. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

«Mountain hiking» video Ready for the mountain? «Mountain hiking» video Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Particularly important recommendations: Take care in exposed places → Watch your step. when it’s slippery → Avoid icy patches and snowfields. on the descent → Include sufficient time and make sure you’re not too tired. Preventing hiking accidents 2017

In an emergency Provide the injured person with immediate life-saving measures. Alert the emergency services as soon as possible. Do not leave the injured person on their own. Do not neglect your own safety. European emergency number: 112 Rega: 1414 or in canton Valais: KWRO 144 Preventing hiking accidents 2017

Further information More on this in the bfu’s «Mountain hiking» brochure (Art. no. 3.010). Order free-of-charge from www.bestellen.bfu.ch. Further information on the campaign’s website www.sicher-bergwandern.ch. Even more accident-prevention tips here: www.bfu.ch. Preventing hiking accidents 2017