The Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) – Bansko unit provides 24/7 readiness for response, search and rescue of injured persons in the Pirin Mountains. The organization combines the activities of professional rescuers and highly qualified volunteers, equipped with specialized equipment, modern equipment and specially trained rescue dogs.
ℹ️ Location and contacts of the rescue base
The physical base of the PSC squad Bansko, is located on the outskirts of the town of Bansko, located directly on the road leading to the Vihren hut. This strategic point allows for rapid mobilization of teams to the higher parts of the mountain and the ski area.
| Contact type | Phone number / Contact |
|---|---|
| Duty post (Bansko Base) | 0749 8-81-32 |
| Duty post (Alternative) | 0749 8-81-34 |
| Emergencies on the ski slopes | +359 88 710 0241 |
| Alternative runway number | +359 887 100 241 |
| European emergency number | 112 |
| Central duty station of the MES | 1470 |
| Official Facebook page | Bansko Police Unit |
🛠️ Main functions and activities of the squad
The service performs a wide range of operational tasks aimed at protecting the lives and health of mountain residents. Activities include:
- Providing emergency first aid and conducting rescue operations in the event of mountain accidents, including falls, avalanches and serious injuries.
- Maintaining continuous duty by trained professionals and volunteers, equipped with modern equipment and accompanied by certified rescue dogs.
- Providing constant assistance and safety for injured tourists, skiers and snowboarders within the officially designated borders of ski area Bansko.
- Implementation of constant monitoring, prevention and control of the general avalanche situation, as well as ongoing monitoring of the condition and technical safety of the slopes.
🛑 Preventive mountain safety tips
Proper behavior and prior preparation reduce the risk of serious accidents. It is recommended to strictly adhere to the following safety rules:
- Careful planning of tourist routes and ski trips, strictly avoiding leaving the marked winter areas and trails.
- Keeping the mobile phone with maximum battery capacity, as providing accurate GPS coordinates facilitates the work of rescue teams.
- Mandatory notification of loved ones, relatives or friends when planning hikes in remote, difficult to access or unmarked areas.
- Mandatory use of specialized equipment when entering avalanche danger zones - this includes the presence of an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe and rescue shovel.
Before leaving, it is necessary to check the weather forecast and the current avalanche danger in case of new snowfall in detail. The local service in Bansko does not issue official avalanche bulletins. Every tourist must have valid mountain insurance, as in the absence of such, rescue operations are charged at the official rate.
🚨 Algorithm for action in the event of an incident
When an incident or critical situation is detected, the following steps must be immediately taken to coordinate with the rescue team:
- Report: An immediate phone call is made to a number 112 or the central post of the MESS at number 1470.
- Localization: The exact geographical GPS coordinates are provided or a detailed description of the location is provided in relation to the nearest ski lift, slope, marked trail or characteristic relief.
- Waiting in place: The injured and their companions remain at the scene of the incident, as long as it is completely safe to do so, and strictly follow the instructions of the dispatchers.
- Detailed description: The nature of the incident, the exact number of injured persons, their status and the specifics of the surrounding terrain (steep slope, groomed track, dense forest area, etc.) are clearly reported.
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