Practical Day
Wednesday, October 8th 2025
Practical Day is an immersive and hands-on experience designed to simulate real-world rescue scenarios in alpine environments. This day typically takes place outdoors, often in a mountainous setting, where participants can apply their skills and knowledge in a practical context.
Here’s what you can expect during Practical Day at the ICAR Congress:
Simulation Exercises
Various rescue scenarios are staged, ranging from simulated accidents on steep terrain to emergency medical situations in remote locations. These exercises are meticulously planned to replicate the challenges and complexities of actual rescue missions, providing participants with valuable opportunities to hone their response capabilities.
Technical Skills Demonstration
Participants have the chance to demonstrate and refine their technical skills, including rope rescue techniques, helicopter operations, and improvised medical interventions. Expert instructors provide guidance and feedback, helping participants improve their proficiency in essential rescue disciplines.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Practical Day fosters collaboration among different rescue organizations and agencies. Teams comprised of members from diverse backgrounds, such as mountain guides, paramedics, and search and rescue professionals, work together to coordinate rescue efforts, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and teamwork in high-stress environments.
Equipment Showcase
Cutting-edge rescue equipment and technologies are showcased during Practical Day, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with the latest gear and tools available for mountain rescue operations. Demonstrations may include advanced climbing gear, medical kits optimized for wilderness environments, and communication devices tailored to remote settings.
Safety Briefings & Debriefings
Safety is paramount during Practical Day, with thorough briefings provided before each exercise to ensure participants understand potential hazards and risk mitigation strategies. After completing each scenario, debriefings are conducted to review performance, identify areas for improvement, and discuss lessons learned, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the rescue community.
Networking Opportunities
In addition to the practical exercises, the day offers ample opportunities for networking and informal interactions among participants. Sharing experiences, exchanging best practices, and forging connections with fellow rescue professionals from around the world enriches the learning experience and strengthens collaborative ties within the alpine rescue community.
Overall, Practical Day at the ICAR Congress is a dynamic and engaging component of the event, offering participants a chance to put theory into practice, test their skills in realistic scenarios, and ultimately enhance their readiness to respond effectively to emergencies in mountainous terrain.