Today's topic is hiker safety and what to do in an emergency.
Much of the terrain in Patagonia is not very difficult, with some major exceptions: the hikes through Valle Francés and to Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre viewpoint) are milder climbs, but the steeper sections on these hikes can be difficult and potentially dangerous. The climbs to the Towers, John Gardner Pass, and Fitz Roy are much tougher and should be treated with caution. You may have to scramble over slippery rocks, which makes these climbs more dangerous. These are also well-loved sunrise hikes that require a pre-dawn start; if you are hiking in the dark, bring a good headlamp and hike with a partner. We always recommend clients bring hiking poles, especially those who have had prior knee injuries.
Avoiding injury in Torres del Paine is paramount, as emergency evacuation can be unreliable. Precipitation and wind in the park may make helicopter extraction impossible, or slow it significantly. Puerto Natales and El Chaltén have only basic medical facilities, and the closest comprehensive care is in Punta Arenas or El Calafate. However, all of the guides in the park are Wilderness First Response certified, which means they have the necessary knowledge and abilities to aid people in remote locations. There is also a paramedic stationed year-round in the park administration building.
To stay safe, the Torres del Paine Park administration recommends you walk exclusively on authorized hiking trails, avoid walking alone, and do not walk at night. In case an accident occurs, CONAF provides the following guidelines.
- Take actions as soon as an accident occurs and stay calm.
- Provide first aid only if you are trained to do so and if it is absolutely necessary.
- Immediately request help from park rangers or call on any emergency phones.
- Do not leave the injured person alone. If necessary, mark the exact location for rescue teams.
- Once the accident is reported, you must remain available for rescue teams in case they need your collaboration.
Remember there is no cell phone coverage in the park. There are a few ways to contact emergency services if you have a 2-way radio or satellite phone.
- Via 2-way radio, on frequency 143.8 MHz
- Via satellite phone at one of the following numbers
- Park administration: +56612360496
- Carabineros de Chile: +56612761139
- CONAF: 130
- AMBULANCE: 131
- FIREFIGHTERS: 132
- POLICE FORCE: 133
- Emergencies inside Los Glaciares National Park:
- Tel. +54 9 (2966) 15383599
- Radio Frequencies used in Los Glaciares National Park:
VHF RX 150.39, RPT RX 150.395--TX 155.135 (El Chaltén) and
RPT RX 150.775--TX 155.215 Subtone 141.3 (Loma del Diablo)
- Argentina Emergency Numbers:
- FIRE: 100
- POLICE: 101 or 911
And remember, preparing physically for your hike can help prevent injuries. Stay fit and flexible!
If you have any questions, feel free to respond directly to this email.
Best regards,
Pygmy Elephant
