Personnel from the Mountain Rescue and Assistance Patrol Unit are already working in the recently inaugurated season of the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
As every year with the start of the 2019-2020 trekking season (and in December of ascent), the Plaza de Mulas Police Detachment at 4,370 meters above sea level and the Nido de Cóndores advance camp, at 5,535, are already operational.
For the installation and transfers, the personnel of the Police Aviation Corps collaborated, who on board the B3 helicopter were in charge of the task of transporting personnel, food, supplies and rescue equipment to face the season.
The Rescue Patrol has 27 troops who work in two shifts of 15 for 15 days, operating along the normal route from Horcones to the summit. The team’s physical seat is at the Plaza de Mulas base camp, at 4,300 meters.
At the high altitude camp of Nido de Cóndores, at 5,300 meters, there is a permanent guard that will remain until the last climber leaves the Park at the end of the season.
Among the activities they carry out, it is noteworthy that of raising awareness among mountaineers, informing them about care and eventualities during the ascent. Of course that includes the protection of the environment in order to preserve hygiene in the Park.
Among the measures they recommend, it is worth noting to avoid going alone to the mountain, and prior to the excursion, notify the family of the return time, itinerary, alternatives and companions.
In addition, before embarking on the journey, it is necessary to find out about the weather and the evolution of the weather in the coming days.
Also have appropriate clothing, enough water, mobile phone or similar to give notice in case of emergency, flashlight, matches, lighter, penknife, coat, food, etc. Keep calm and help if there is an injured person
Immediately notify the nearest shelter
Avoid leaving the injured person alone. If there is no other option, put a coat on him and leave him enough food and liquid
Mark the spot so rescuers can easily locate it
Report to the authorities: description of the accident, number of injured, injuries and severity, when and where it happened
Report weather conditions
In case of loss Aconcagua
Avoid walking aimlessly or desperately over rough or dangerous terrain
If you don’t have a compass or GPS, there are references that indicate where North is located, for example: sunrise in the East and sunset in the West; rocks with more vegetation on its southern side (because of more humidity); snow and moisture disappear earlier on the northern slopes (because of the sun); etc.
Stand in a clear and elevated spot so that the rescue team can locate you more easily
Bring phone numbers of nearby police stations or shelters