An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir June 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 16 | W hen thinking of Chamonix, nestled in the Massif du Mont blanc region in the Department de Haute-Savoie of south-eastern France, one might think of long days spent on the ski slopes and the lively atmosphere of the aprés ski, or perhaps of treks through the mountain resort, tranquil and snow covered, far away from our usual hectic daily lives. However, there is a more serious and dangerous side to an area that has attracted skiers, tourists and adventure seekers from the four corners of the world for many years. Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, situated near the massive peaks of Aiguilles Rouge and the most notable Aiguille du Midi. The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc and the summit itself are part of the vil- lage of Chamonix. The Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Mon- tagne (PGHM), a mountain police rescue unit, is an integral part of the French gendarmerie tasked with the search-and-rescue (SAR) role in the Mont Blanc region. The PGHM is on call 24/7 to assist with the rescue, and sometimes the more sombre recovery of bodies, of victims of accidents and avalanches in the mountains. The origins of the unit go back to December 1956 when the idea was first mooted following a tragic accident involving two young Alpinists in the Massif du Mont Blanc. At the time there was no particular joined-up structure to SAR, which was conducted by local guides, the National Ski School and members of the Mountain Military School. As the authorities became more aware of this shortcoming, a circular was issued to each prefect in the region to work out and organise a specialised plan for future mountain rescue call- outs and operations. As a result, on June 1st 1957 the gendarmerie dispatched an officer, Lt Pigaglio, to take com- mand and direct the various groups participating in SAR. He proposed the creation of a small unit, which became known as Group Specialisé de Haute Montagne (GSHM). Members of this unit were specialists, qualified to investigate accidents in the mountain region and participate in various rescue operations. The GSHM also centralised the alert system, ensured the correct equipment was in stock and fit for purpose, and trained new teams. This meant that a regulated mountain rescue unit with a permanent capacity was now in place and consequently it was included in the Plan ORSEC (Organisational Réponse de Sécurité Civile), a French regional plan that outlines the official response to natural disasters and other civil emergencies. Members of the GSHM were initially recruited by RAPHAEL FALLON

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