Creating a Rescue Service was the project’s priority and height to scale in 2013. A great gap has finally been bridged in the area of services that the climbers’ island needs to offer its visitors!
Thanks to the contribution of the Volunteer Rescue Team potential accidents on the island’s trails and climbs can now be dealt with due to the sufficiency in human resources, means, and know-how.
alternet knowing the needs of climbers and hikers of Kalymnos, has developed an android application for smartphones and tablets, free of charge for the Rescue package cardholders, includes an SOS risk button.
In case of an emergency, the owner of the application (climber or hiker) with a simple push of the button activates the GPS tracking system. A location signal is automatically transmitted via SMS to the base (alternet office) and to Rescue team interconnected mobile phones. The location is pinpointed on the digital map based on the coordinates of the SOS emission.
This application was developed in order to contribute to the effectiveness and direct action of the Voluntary Rescue Team.
It all started with an idea which was realized through daring, collective effort, and hard work.
...Participants state
We are proud of the end result and ready to offer our services wherever and whenever they are needed! Needless to say, we wish that all our visitors keep well, are careful when trekking on trails or climbing so that they may never be in need of the rescue service’s intervention! After all, our primary goal is to see that no accidents occur.
The Rescue Service combating land accidents on Kalymnos
is the result of a model cooperation effort and came together by means of 4 discrete initiatives...
alter Holodays DMC
alter Holidays DMC is the point of reference for the creation of the entire project and for the strategic design of the overall destination planning effort. Creating a rescue service for Kalymnos was a priority since it would bridge a substantial gap. alterHolidaysDMC was the one to design the marketing product which is none other than the membership card providing visitors with privileges. That marketing product is the means through which the Rescue Service will be funded and the Rescue Team’s needs in materials and training will be met.
alternet Greece ~1st destination Kalymnos...
alternet Greece for Kalymnos is the agency implementing the project. It is also a new service at present available on Kalymnos only, ensuring that visitors enjoy services offering quality and discounts.
The Rescue team
A team specializing in dealing with accidents on trails and climbing locations. It is made up of 20 men, 6 trained rescue specialists, and 14 auxiliary volunteers. The 6 rescue specialists are climbers trained in rescue techniques with or without the use of ropes and in providing first aid.
The Kalymnos Volunteer Rescue Team is a chartered association and it is Kalymnos’ official rescue team when it comes to dealing with land accidents. The Rescue Team offers its services free of charge to anyone who may be in need of them!
Wild Sport
Wild Sport is a business based out of Massouri, Kalymnos. It has been in operation for 12 years fulfilling the needs climbers have not only in gear and outfitting but in information on climbing around the island as well. Wild Sport has supported in every way the idea of a rescue team operating on the island just as it has supported the establishment of an official rescue team on Kalymnos. It has donated all the special gear the Rescue Team needs to perform its task.
The Foundation of the French company Petzl lauded the establishment of the Volunteer Rescue Team and the operation of the Rescue Service on Kalymnos. The Foundation offered its support in the form of a five-day specialized technical training to the team’s 6 rescue specialists. Training took place in 2013 with the contribution of the trainers provide by Lyon Equipment.
By purchasing the card you gain free access to the new, useful services designed for you, take advantage of discounts and privileges and, participate in this important effort to have an organized rescue team on Kalymnos. Are you a climber? Then, this is of immediate interest to you!