Emergency response teams across Romania faced overwhelming challenges as they dealt with more than 1,700 emergency situations, underscoring the urgency of their lifesaving work. Over the course of just one day, rescuers were involved in extensive operations ranging from extinguishing fires, providing first aid, and managing severe road accidents.
According to reports from the Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), firefighters were engaged in 108 incidents aimed at limiting damages and preventing tragedies. Concurrently, the SMURD (Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication) teams responded to 1,324 calls, offering immediate medical assistance to those in distress.
On top of this, rescuers participated in 299 missions to support communities and protect assets during this intense emergency response period. Critically, their rapid actions led to six people being saved from potentially life-threatening situations.
Road accidents also demanded urgent attention, with teams managing four serious incidents. The interventions often involved extracting victims and administering initial medical aid, showcasing the commitment of these professional rescuers.
Emergency situations are unpredictable, and everyone can contribute to increasing safety awareness. Citizens are encouraged to visit the national emergency preparedness platform at fiipregatit.ro and to download the DSU app available for free on both the App Store and Google Play, as part of broader efforts to be prepared and safe.
Meanwhile, mountain rescue teams were also remarkably busy, reporting interventions across multiple regions. A total of 98 individuals were rescued by the Salvamont teams, with 28 of them requiring ambulance transport to hospitals. The National Salvamont Dispatch Center received 87 emergency calls within 24 hours, signalling the growing need for their intervention.
The Brașov region emerged as the area with the highest number of requests, accounting for 20 calls. Following closely were Sinaia with 14 and Gorj with seven emergency interventions.
“We received several calls requesting assistance, and our teams were on the ground, ready to help anyone who needed it,” reported representatives of Salvamont Romania on their official Facebook page. They reiterated the significance of exercising caution and responsibility during mountain activities to avoid accidents.
The vigilance of the teams is also highlighted by the fact there was one recorded death during these operations. Such losses serve to remind both rescuers and the public of the inherent risks involved with outdoor activities, particularly during challenging weather conditions.
Salvamont teams have issued multiple advisories for everyone engaging with the mountains, emphasizing the importance of wearing appropriate gear, being aware of personal limits, and knowing emergency contact procedures. For example, skiers are advised to select suitable equipment compatible with their abilities and the snow conditions, and to approach ski slopes cautiously as they acclimatize to winter sports again.
Further recommendations include adapting skiing speed and style to both personal fitness and the slope's difficulty, as well as maintaining awareness of other users on the slopes.
“We want to promote safety and responsibility among outdoor enthusiasts,” the teams stress, encouraging proactive communication and cooperation among all participants to minimize risks.
Despite the valor shown by rescue teams throughout the country, the day of intense operations highlights the continual need for awareness and safety measures during emergency situations. The citizens of Romania are urged to stay informed and prepared to contribute to their own safety and those around them, especially during the unpredictable winter months.
With the core mission of life preservation at the heart of their actions, Romanian emergency services continue to demonstrate commitment, efficiency, and compassion when responding to crises. The collaboration between governmental agencies, rescue organizations, and communities strengthens the foundation of public safety and prepares citizens to face future challenges effectively.