The accident occurred in a particularly steep area. Despite the rapid alert given by his companion and the spectacular intervention of the Dragon 06 helicopter, the emergency services were unable to do anything. The victim, a woman, lost her life after a vertiginous fall of 20 meters into a valley. She had gone out for a ski trip with her partner.
The environment, described as “difficult to access” by the firefighters, illustrates the dangerousness of the high mountains, even for accompanied practitioners. To avoid such tragedies, rigorous preparation and constant vigilance are necessary before setting off for the summits. Here are the essential precautions to take, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician.
Preparation: the crucial step before the first step
A successful outing begins well before putting on your skis. For Dr Gérald Kierzek, improvisation has no place at altitude. “It is imperative to check the weather via Météo-France or specialized sites and to systematically consult the avalanche risk on platforms such as data-avalanche.org”, he explains. The expert advises favoring stable conditions, avoiding storms or slopes whose inclination exceeds 30°.
The equipment must also be impeccable. In addition to suitable skis or snowshoes, the 30 to 40 liter backpack must contain the “survival trio”: DVA (Avalanche Victim Detector), shovel and probe, provided you have followed prior training in their handling.
“Never forget to bring water, even in extreme cold, energy food, a first aid kit, a survival blanket and a headlamp.”adds the doctor, while insisting on the need to inform a loved one of his precise itinerary and the expected time of return.
Progress safely in the field
Once on the slopes, vigilance must be collective. The golden rule is to progress as a group, without ever remaining alone. Dr. Kierzek advocates moving forward “from island to safety island, that is to say in stable areas off steep slopes”,
and cross the most exposed passages one by one to limit the risks in the event of falling snow or ice.
Balance is essential to avoid falls, like the one that occurred in Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage.
“Use your poles to maintain your balance and don’t hesitate to put on anti-ice crampons on the invisible patches.”advises the emergency doctor.
It also recommends staying on marked trails and systematically avoiding cornices or slopes of more than 30° which present an immediate danger of slipping or sinking.
Knowing how to give up: the sign of wisdom
The greatest danger in the mountains is sometimes stubbornness. Knowing how to turn around is a vital skill. Dr Gérald Kierzek lists several warning signs which should stop the ascent: excessive fatigue of the group, deteriorating weather (strong wind, fog, approaching night) or suspicious noises under the snow (cracks, muffled sounds).
Listening to your own body is just as decisive. “If you experience uncontrollable shivering, signs of frostbite or dehydration despite drinking drinks, you should stop“, he warns.
In the mountains, humility remains a hiker’s best ally. As the emergency doctor rightly points out: “The priority must always be renunciation, because don’t forget that the mountain will still be there tomorrow.”