Throughout France, the fire and rescue services (SIS) have their own specialist units for mountain rescues. In 2017, these teams carried out nearly 5,500 operations.
Known as the Mountain Fire Brigade Units (GMSP), or Mountain and High-Risk Rescue Units, they are mainly based in the Alps and the Pyrenees. In some departments, it is the Reconnaissance and Rescue in Hazardous Environments Unit (GRIMP) that carries out these operations.
Rare, but valuable, interventions
These teams are tasked with only a small number of operations; in 2017, they accounted for 0.14 per cent of the total number of emergency response call-outs (3,911,000) to assist people. These call-outs are rare, but invaluable.
Consequently, 2,959 firefighters are trained in rescue operations in hazardous environments, 281 in mountainous terrain, 439 in canyons and 390 in underground locations. They work in shifts around the clock to respond to rescue calls in any technical environment.
In the spotlight
Rescue workers who have undergone this type of training are rigorously trained, practised and regularly assessed in order to remain qualified to carry out their duties. Members of the PGHM and the mountain CRS also possess a similar level of expertise.
The press are invited to attend a national mountain rescue exercise, to be held on Thursday 31 January in La Grave, in the Hautes-Alpes, in the PACA region. This spotlight will promote the expertise of the fire service at a national level, which should help to inspire people to join the profession.
Several departments will be represented, as well as the National Federation of French Fire Brigades (FNSPF) and the Civil Protection Training College (ECASC).