Record Mountain Rescues Challenge Salvamont Teams Nationwide

In a dramatic surge of mountain emergencies, Romania’s Salvamont rescue teams faced their busiest day of the winter season, responding to an unprecedented 152 calls for help in just 24 hours before January 18, 2026. According to reports from AGERPRES, Newsweek Romania, and multiple national outlets, this marks the highest number of mountain incidents recorded in a single day so far this winter, underscoring both the allure and the dangers of Romania’s rugged landscapes during the colder months.

The National Salvamont Dispatch, the central hub for mountain rescue coordination, was inundated with requests for urgent intervention. As detailed by Newsweek Romania, "Salvamont teams across Romania rescued 156 people in difficulty on mountain trails," all within a single day. This extraordinary number not only highlights the dedication and preparedness of the rescue teams but also raises questions about the risks that come with wintertime mountain activities.

The breakdown of calls paints a vivid picture of the country’s hotspots for mountain emergencies. Brașov County led the tally with 31 calls, closely followed by Sinaia with 16, and Brașov Municipality with 15, according to the facts compiled from Newsweek Romania and AGERPRES. Lupeni and Maramureș each registered 12 calls, while other counties and popular mountain resorts such as Sibiu, Cluj, Prahova, Neamț, Caraș-Severin, Voineasa, Bihor, Alba, Satu Mare, Mureș, Suceava, Gorj, and Bistrița-Năsăud also reported multiple incidents. The diversity of locations underscores just how widespread mountain tourism—and its associated risks—have become across Romania.

Salvamont’s rapid response resulted in the rescue of 156 individuals facing various forms of distress or danger on the mountains. Of those, 53 people required immediate medical attention and were transported to hospitals by SAJ, SMURD, or Salvamont ambulances. In one particularly serious case, a person was evacuated by SMURD helicopter, demonstrating the gravity of some incidents and the range of resources Salvamont can deploy when the situation demands it. The remaining rescued individuals were safely taken home by their relatives, a testament to the cooperative efforts between rescue teams and families in times of crisis.

But the calls pouring into the National Salvamont Dispatch weren’t all about emergencies. Sixty-one calls came from mountain enthusiasts seeking advice and information about tourist routes, as highlighted by all three sources. This detail reveals that Romania’s mountains continue to attract large numbers of visitors, many of whom are eager to explore but also keen to ensure their safety by consulting experts. It’s a heartening sign that, even amid a flurry of accidents, some are taking proactive steps to avoid trouble on the trails.

What’s behind this spike in mountain incidents? While the sources didn’t pinpoint a single cause, the timing—a busy winter weekend—suggests that favorable weather, school holidays, or simply the seasonal draw of the mountains all played a role. The high number of calls from Brașov and Sinaia, two of the country’s most popular winter destinations, hints at crowded slopes and busy trails, conditions that can quickly lead to mishaps if caution isn’t exercised.

Salvamont Romania, for its part, is urging visitors to exercise greater caution. As relayed by AGERPRES, "Echipele Salvamont România vă îndeamnă la prudență și responsabilitate în derularea activităților montane și vă invită să le fiți alături în campania de reducere a numărului de accidente montane." Translated, this means: "Salvamont Romania teams urge you to be prudent and responsible in conducting mountain activities and invite you to join them in the campaign to reduce the number of mountain accidents." The message couldn’t be clearer: while the mountains offer adventure and beauty, they also demand respect and preparedness.

The scale and complexity of the day’s rescues required close coordination between various local Salvamont units. The numbers tell the story: 31 calls for Salvamont Brașov County, 15 for Brașov Municipality, 16 for Sinaia, 12 each for Lupeni and Maramureș, 11 for Sibiu, and so on, as documented by Newsweek Romania and AGERPRES. Even more remote or less frequented areas like Semenic, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Argeș saw their share of emergencies. The breadth of the operation is a testament to the reach and readiness of Salvamont’s network, one that stretches from the Carpathians to the Apuseni Mountains and beyond.

For those who required hospitalization, the swift action of medical services made all the difference. "53 people were transported to hospitals by SAJ, SMURD, or Salvamont ambulances. One person was transported to hospital by SMURD helicopter. The rest were transported by their relatives," as confirmed by both AGERPRES and Newsweek Romania. The ability to deploy a helicopter for the most serious cases is a crucial asset, especially in rugged terrain where time is of the essence.

Mountain safety in Romania has become a growing concern as tourism booms and more people seek outdoor recreation. Each year, Salvamont teams handle thousands of interventions, but the record set in this 24-hour period is a stark reminder of the risks that come with adventure. It’s not just about avalanches or dramatic falls—minor injuries, sudden weather changes, and getting lost are all part of the picture. The 61 calls seeking advice show that, for many, the line between safe exploration and potential danger is thin.

In response, Salvamont Romania continues to invest in public awareness campaigns and community engagement. Their message, echoed in every report, is one of shared responsibility: "Salvamont Romania recommends all mountain lovers to be attentive and responsible," as reported by Newsweek Romania. By offering guidance, sharing real-time updates, and responding to emergencies with professionalism, they aim to foster a culture of safety that keeps both locals and tourists out of harm’s way.

As winter marches on and the allure of the mountains remains strong, the events of January 17-18 serve as a wake-up call. The mountains are as beautiful as they are unpredictable, and the margin for error can be razor-thin. For those who heed the warnings, seek advice, and prepare accordingly, the rewards of mountain adventure are many. For those who don’t, the risks are all too real—and, as this record-breaking day shows, Salvamont will be there, ready to answer every call.