The nation's first alpine rescue team will be founded on
November 19 to help mountaineers in trouble, according to China
Emergency Rescue Center.
The national coordinating body for the volunteer search and
rescue team includes 30 professionals from many walks of life,
including experienced outdoorsmen and mountain climbers, according
to Guo Ke, secretary-general of China mountain rescue team.
"This is a self-funded, dedicated team of 'professional
volunteers' united in their love of the mountains and their wish to
help their fellow mountaineers in trouble," Guo said.
The team will go out in all weather in the service of
enthusiasts who enjoy the hills and high places. The association is
non-profit and members will not be paid.
Outdoor sports have become popular among young and educated
Chinese in recent years. But due to bad weather and lack of
experience, 26 mountaineers lost their lives in 2006 alone. One
hiker's death last October in Inner Mongolia stirred a national
round of discussion about the establishment of a rescue system.
"Mountains by their very nature involve some element of risk and
there will always be those who are caught unawares. Many citizens
think they are capable enough to deal with the mountains and thus
get hurt or lost," Wang Xin, chief of the team, said.
"They have no idea about how to stay in communication and wait
for rescue," he added.
He warned that mountaineers should take cell phones or radios
and flashlights, all "very useful for seeking help" in
emergencies.
According to Wang, members of the new rescue team will receive
physical training every weekend.
"We pay close attention to discipline as all our members are
from different professions," he said.
Zhang Bo, a domestic bank clerk, applauded the team's
foundation.
"I usually go hiking every two weeks and did encounter some
trouble in the past. Now I know somebody is there and could provide
help. This is great," he said.
But Zhang also expressed the worry that the size of the team may
not meet overall demand.
"All long holidays such as the National Day break will see many
incidents. I do not know whether or not they can cover this."
(China Daily October 5, 2007)