1. COWS ON THE ALPINE PASTURE
Cows are good-natured animals. A lot has to happen for them to become aggressive on the mountain pasture. Nevertheless, there have been more frequent attacks on hikers in recent times. In 2014, a woman even died after a cow attack in the Stubai Valley. Alpine farmers therefore advise: it is better to avoid pastures with cows and young animals. If you do have to cross the mountain pasture, do not pet the calves. Do not run or drive, but pass the mountain pasture calmly on the way. Do not look the cows directly in the eye, but do not turn your back on them either. Before a cow attacks, it is clearly showing aggressive behaviour (snorting, shaking its head and stamping its hooves). In this case: stand still, raise your arms in the air and make a noise.
2. THUNDERSTORM - WARM THUNDERSTORM - COLD FRONT
Lightning, hail and downpours are among the greatest dangers in the high mountains, as from an altitude of 1800 metres you are defenceless against these forces of nature. Correct behaviour in the event of an approaching thunderstorm: You should avoid objects standing alone (summit crosses, trees) and watercourses. Look for them: Huts, woods (walk a good distance into them), hollows (close your legs and crouch over your rucksack) or caves (one metre away from the entrance and rock faces). Switch off your mobile phone, GPS and other electronic devices and leave your bike at least 50 metres away.
3. PROCEDURE
Even if it is hardly possible to take the wrong turn in the GPS age: The map has to be in your rucksack. At the latest when a mudslide has torn away the planned route or an accident requires a change of route, you should be able to find the quickest way down to the valley at a glance!
4. FIRST AID
- Sunstroke Sunstroke can be caused by direct sunlight on the head and neck: The brain and meninges are irritated. Signs: bright red head, dizziness, headache, vomiting or even unconsciousness. First aid: lie flat on your back in the shade, head slightly elevated. Cool head and neck. If unconscious, place in the recovery position.
- Slight abrasions Clean and disinfect with running (tap) water. Cover larger wounds with a quick wound dressing or a sterile compress.
- Heavy bleeding Clean with running water, remove superficial impurities, have deeper-seated pebbles or splinters removed by a doctor first (otherwise there may be more bleeding!). Disinfect well and cover with a pressure bandage.
- Joint injuries PECH formula: Rest, ice, compression, elevation. Cool the affected joint for 30-45 minutes. Compression and elevation help to prevent further swelling and pain.
- Breakage Immobilise and cool the affected part of the body. Immediately cover an open fracture with a bandage.
- Shock Signs: Pallor and cold, sweaty skin. Freezing and shivering. Lay the affected person on their back with their legs slightly elevated so that the brain remains supplied with oxygen. In case of nausea, lie on your side.
- Unconsciousness Check breathing (hold the ear to the nose and mouth of the affected person). If breathing has stopped: Cardiopulmonary massage. To do this, press on the sternum 30 times, then ventilate twice (slowly but firmly, one second each time).
5. BREAKDOWN ON THE BIKE
Have you ever broken a spoke on the first downhill bend? It's a moment that makes you want to jump out of your skin. You fight your way uphill for hours and then tremble back down to the valley on raw eggs. If you're unlucky, you'll tear even more spokes - and the descents in the high mountains are known to be kilometres long. We have summarised in a special how you can help yourself on the road with tools from nature, not only in the case of cracked spokes, but also broken frames, flat feet, chain tears, etc. Free download see below...
6. NEBEL
There are weather conditions in which the clouds of haze move up the mountain flanks as if on a lift from the valley. Suddenly you are standing in such a thick soup that you can no longer see your own feet. It's a good thing you have a GPS with you and can follow the route on the track. But be careful! Sometimes it's the clouds of a thunderstorm cell. You can tell by the way the air crackles and your hair stands on end - that's how charged the air and water particles are. In this case, seek shelter as quickly as possible, switch off your GPS device and mobile phone and wait until the spook has moved on.
7. CALL FOR HELP: 112
The international rescue number is: 112. There is now a free "Mountain Rescue Tyrol Emergency App" for the province of Tyrol. By pressing the emergency button, the exact position data as well as the name and telephone number of the person concerned light up in the Tyrolean rescue control centre. This means that the emergency services are already on their way to the scene of the accident, while the control centre can call the app owner back and ask about the details of the accident. If there is no internet reception, the mobile phone automatically sends an SMS to the control centre. The app is available free of charge in the Apple Store under the keyword "Bergrettung Tirol". However, there is also an analogue emergency call signal: a knock or light signal six times a minute.
You can also read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 8/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
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Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
