France is considering a significant shift in its mountain rescue policies, with proposals that could see hikers billed for emergency services if their "risky behaviour" leads to trouble in the mountains. The recommendations come from the country's finance auditor, the Cour des Comptes, which has called for better measurement of the effectiveness and costs associated with mountain rescues.
Foreign Nationals and Safety Rule Breakers Targeted
According to the Cour des Comptes, around 17 per cent of individuals rescued in 2024 were foreign nationals. The body noted that several other European countries, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, already have systems in place to bill foreign nationals for rescue operations. Under the new proposals, French citizens who fail to observe safety rules would also be required to reimburse emergency services, marking a departure from the current state-funded model.
Costs and Regulatory Changes
The financial burden of mountain rescues has been a key driver behind these proposals. In 2024, helicopter rescues cost an estimated €10,780 (£9,444) per intervention. The total cost of mountain rescue services reached nearly €107 million (£93.7 million) that year, representing a 55 per cent increase since 2012. The Cour des Comptes has suggested clarifying the conditions for using helicopters and initiating regulatory changes to allow for billing interventions and imposing more effective penalties for risky behaviour and misuse of rescue services.
Opposition from Mountain Rescuers
Despite the proposed changes, many mountain rescuers advocate for retaining state-funded services. Yannick Vallençant, head of the SIM union representing mountain guides, expressed strong opposition in a statement to the Times. He argued, "Why should mountain sports enthusiasts be treated any differently from people who have road accidents? Why question the principle of free mountain rescues when there are many more victims of drowning? And what about health problems caused by smoking? Smokers aren't forced to take out insurance to continue smoking."
Vallençant also highlighted the broader impact, noting, "We shouldn't forget that holidaymakers from across the country go hiking in the mountains. It's not just a few from the elite. Mountain rescues only cost each French citizen €1.50 (£1.30) a year." This perspective underscores the debate over fairness and public funding in emergency services.
Current Funding and Future Implications
Currently, mountain rescue services in France are generally funded by the state, with exceptions for some resort-based ski rescues. The proposals aim to address rising costs and promote safety awareness among hikers. If implemented, they could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar financial pressures in emergency response systems.
