Years ago, mountain rescuers and fans of white sports could see a helicopter for emergency air assistance only during major international competitions. In the last year alone, Bulgarian air ambulances participated in dozens of rescue operations for injured people in the mountains, writes BNR.
The mountain rescue service in Bansko is one of the best equipped, and this is largely due to dozens of donors. Charity campaigns have purchased a vehicle for rescue dogs, modern equipment and drones for searching for lost tourists, say Ivaylo Valeyuv and Nasko Ukov from the rescue team in Bansko.
On the eve of the winter season, mountain rescuers in Pirin are preparing to work in more difficult conditions and more incidents in the mountains. New technologies, donation campaigns and cooperation with air teams are among the highlights in the preparation of the rescue team in Bansko.
"We feel better equipped - new equipment is purchased every year. Of the two drones we work with, one already has a thermal camera, and the other is about to be renovated, says rescuer Ivaylo Valeyuv.
Both devices were provided through donation campaigns that began after a real rescue operation at the end of the year, when volunteers hired an external pilot with a drone to help search for a missing person.
"Then everyone saw that the technology works. The campaign started from this operation and thanks to dozens of good people today we have modern equipment“, the team shares. There are over 60 donors - their names are written on a board in the rescuers' base.
Donation - support that saves lives
“People now realize that donation for us means saving human lives. That is why they donate more and more often“, says Ivaylo Valeyuv. According to him, it is not the quantity of equipment that is important, but its efficiency:
“Drones, like any modern device, are being updated quickly. Our idea is to work with modern equipment and replace it periodically."
Readiness for winter and air rescue
"We are ready 24/7 all year round", assures Nasko Ukov from the rescue team.
Preparation for the season includes checking the equipment, machinery and equipment of the posts in the ski areas. Last summer, air ambulances have already actively assisted mountain rescuers. It is expected that the joint work will expand in the winter.
"The procedures for equipping the helicopters with winches and training the teams are underway. We hope to gradually reach a European level of organization“, commented Ukov.
Together with the air rescue teams, suitable places for landing and hovering helicopters have been identified in different areas of the mountain, where there is the greatest concentration of incidents.
“The system is already working - we have carried out quite a few actions during the year. There is much to improve, but this will happen over time“, he added.
Law on volunteers - a necessary step forward
Mountain rescuers in our country are still waiting for the adoption of a law that would regulate their activities. Most of them are volunteers, and their release from work in the event of incidents is becoming increasingly difficult.
“The state needs to hear what we have been talking about for years. Our volunteers are not just people who hand out tea and blankets – they are professionals who risk their lives to save others. The right legal framework needs to be found," Ukov emphasizes.
"It's not a service, it's a mission"
"A large part of our equipment was purchased with donations. Without them, we wouldn't be able to do our job effectively, the rescuers say.
For them, mountain rescue is not a service, it's a mission - one that doesn't end with the season.