Mountain Safety Protocol (STOP)
Regulations & Safety
regulations-safety

Mountain Safety Protocol (STOP)

In the mountains, panic is a bad advisor. When an accident or emergency occurs, follow the STOP protocol.

⚠️ This article does not replace First Aid training or mountain rescue. Every member of EOS Iliopoli is encouraged to attend certified First Aid training and emergency management training in the mountains.


S – STOP (Stop)

Do not act hastily.

Take a deep breath and assess the situation first.

Before approaching the injured person, make sure you are not in danger either.

Check for:

  1. falling rocks or stones
  2. landslides
  3. risk of falling
  4. lightning or severe bad weather
  5. avalanche (in winter)

The first rule of rescue is to not have a second victim.

T – THINK (Think)

What exactly has happened?

Make a quick assessment:

  1. How many are injured?
  2. Is he/she conscious?
  3. Is he/she breathing normally?
  4. Is there severe bleeding?
  5. Is there a possibility of spinal injury?
  6. Could the situation worsen if he/she is moved?

Apply only the first aid you know.

Do not move the injured person, unless there is immediate danger.

O – OBSERVE (Observe)

Gather all the information rescuers will need.

Note:

  1. exact location (GPS or coordinates)
  2. trail or summit name
  3. altitude (if known)
  4. number of people
  5. type of injury
  6. weather conditions
  7. available equipment

At the same time:

  1. protect the injured person from cold, wind or rain
  2. continuously monitor breathing and condition
  3. reassure him/her

P – PLAN (Plan)

Organize the next steps.

1. Call 112

Provide calmly:

  1. who you are
  2. where you are (GPS or pin)
  3. what happened
  4. how many injured there are
  5. condition of the injured person
  6. contact phone number

2. Inform the expedition leader

If you are participating in an organized activity of EOS Iliopoli, immediately inform the leader or person in charge of the expedition.

3. Stay at the location

Do not change position without good reason.

Help rescuers locate you using:

  1. bright clothing
  2. flashlight
  3. whistle
  4. signal mirror
  5. any safe means to increase visibility


Never do

  1. Do not panic.
  2. Do not leave the injured person alone.
  3. Do not attempt a dangerous rescue without training.
  4. Do not move an injured person with possible spinal injury, unless immediately in danger.
  5. Do not give food, drink or alcohol to seriously injured persons.

Before every expedition

  1. Inform someone of your route.
  2. Check the weather forecast.
  3. Charge your phone and take a power bank.
  4. Have with you:
  5. first aid kit
  6. thermal blanket
  7. headlamp
  8. whistle
  9. map or GPS
  10. Learn basic First Aid.


Remember

STOP before every decision.

Stop → Think → Observe → Plan

Calm thinking, correct assessment and timely notification of 112 save lives.