"Canine Savior on Four Paws": Tiny Dog Signals Mountain Rescue to the Site of a Snowy Crevasse Accident, Where Its Owner Was Trapped
In a heart-stopping incident on the Fee Glacier above the ski resort village of Saas-Fee in Switzerland, a man and his dog found themselves in a perilous situation. The man tragically fell into a 26ft (8m) crevasse, but it was the dog's heroic behaviour that would ultimately save the day.
The rescuers, Air Zermatt, a Swiss helicopter rescue team based in Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn, were initially struggling to locate the casualty due to the vast search area. However, it was the dog's frantic behaviour at the edge of the crevasse that caught the rescuers' attention, and they were able to pinpoint the man's location.
The man, who had called for help with a walkie-talkie, was safely flown off the glacier and transferred to a hospital in Visp. The dog, initially identified as a chihuahua by Air Zermatt, may actually be a papillon spaniel. Regardless, the dog is being hailed as a hero for potentially saving his owner's life.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unique risks associated with hiking on glaciers, and the importance of being prepared. Hiking on glaciers can be a thrilling adventure, but it comes with challenges such as crevasses, falling ice, and unstable terrain.
To stay safe while hiking on glaciers, it's essential to have the right safety gear. This includes a helmet, ice axe, ropes and harness, crampons, and an avalanche transceiver. When crossing known crevasses, use specialized equipment like ladders or bars if available. It's also crucial to stay roped to your group and hire a guide if you're inexperienced.
In case of emergencies, carry a communication device such as a satellite phone or a two-way radio. Know your route and leave a plan behind, informing someone about your itinerary and expected return time. In dense fog or snow, any visible signs or signals can be crucial for locating the injured.
Air Zermatt's rescue operations, as documented in the 2016 Netflix documentary series, The Horn, provide valuable insights into the perilous work of mountain rescue teams. In this particular incident, the dog's behaviour during the rescue operation significantly contributed to the successful rescue.
Additional safety measures include staying alert for weather changes, travelling with a group, and being prepared for unforeseen situations. A first aid kit and emergency shelter can be lifesaving in unexpected situations.
By following these guidelines and staying prepared, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with glacier hiking and ensure a safer adventure. When hiking on a glacier, use specialized gear such as winter hiking or mountaineering boots, ice axes, and crampons. Tie yourself to other people on a rope while hiking on a glacier to ensure that any fall into a crevasse can be arrested.
Plant your ice axe for additional stability in the uphill hand when ascending a slope on a glacier. And remember, always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for any signs of danger. With the right preparation and mindset, glacier hiking can be a memorable and exhilarating experience.
The pet's heroic behavior during the incident, the dog's frantic actions at the edge of the crevasse, helped the rescuers locate the man, highlighting the importance of having pets while engaging in outdoor-living activities such as home-and-garden hiking on glaciers. To ensure a safer lifestyle while hiking on glaciers, pet owners should consider tying their pets to them using a reliable leash for added security, as a pet could potentially alert rescuers when the owner is in trouble.
