"Count on us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year" - this is how the slogan reads Mountain rescue services of Serbia (GSS). They are a voluntary and non-profit organization that has existed since 1952. Volunteer special forces help those who find themselves in danger.
There are between 250 and 350 active members, and a total of over 1000.
Dimitrije Ostojić is a rescuer and a member of the GSS Board of Directors. He explains to "Vreme" that in order to be an active member, in addition to establishing first aid knowledge and technical disciplines, it is necessary to be a rescuer with a valid license.
Photo: Mountain Rescue ServiceMountain Rescue Service of Serbia
Everyone gives as much as they can.
"Let's say if someone has a lot of private commitments this year, he won't get his license certified because he won't be able to deal with GSS as much." In the end, we are a volunteer organization and everyone gives as much as they can," explains Ostojić.
However, in extreme situations, such as major natural disasters, GSS engages all rescuers, even "passive" ones. Such was the case during the floods in Obrenovac.
Most of the GSS members are employed, and employers are generally understanding of their absence from work.
"My experience is very positive. Wherever I worked, I always had the understanding of the employers that when there are some emergencies, I can take an unplanned day off or stay longer in the field."
Photo: Mountain Rescue ServiceMountain Rescue Service of Serbia
Cooperation with institutions
GSS most often participates in actions at ski resorts in Serbia. And that on Kopaonik, Zlatibor and Stara Planina. They provide help during losses and injuries.
Another domain is searches for missing persons, such as the recent action when a little girl disappeared in Ubu and when the "Find me" system was activated. The action was successfully carried out with a team of search dogs.
In addition, there are highly trained teams for technical rescues from rocks and caves, as well as teams for rapid water rescues.
Do they cooperate with institutions in such situations?
Ostojić says that their engagement is often initiated by the Department for Emergency Situations or the Ministry of Interior of Serbia. However, that cooperation could be better.
"Our potentials are not being used to the maximum", emphasizes the interlocutor of "Vremena".
It wasn't always like that. When the Head of the Sector was Predrag Marić, cooperation was much better.
"He, among other things, recognized our value and involved us much more closely in the work of the Department for Emergency Situations." And then, after his death, that cooperation kind of subsided. It's not that there are no contacts, but systemically, I think we don't have any cooperation regarding quality joint trainings and quality coordination, making plans for what to do in which situation. Come on, we don't get any financial help or help with equipment", explains Ostojić.
Photo: Mountain Rescue ServiceMountain Rescue Service of Serbia
GSS without constant financial inflow
Ostojić states that they survive primarily thanks to sponsors.
"Besides the help of individuals, dues-paying members, donations and some commercial contracts regarding the provision of some events or work in some areas, we do not have a steady flow of money."
He goes on to say that, for example, one stretcher for carrying the injured on inaccessible terrain costs between 5.000 and 8.000 euros, and that it is necessary that they have at least one such stretcher in each of their stations in Serbia.
"It's just one of the things in the whole range of equipment that is extremely expensive." So one of our biggest problems is that we are not recognized in any law, that we do not get any help from the state. At one point, in 2011/2012. year, we received some help, but it was soon canceled. That was the period of our prosperity, where we did many things systemically for the better", emphasizes our interlocutor.
He adds that with minimal investment, GSS can contribute a lot to the country's security system.
When asked if there is an initiative to legally solve this situation, Ostojić says that there is none.
"The entire leadership of the GSS has the impression that nobody recognizes us systemically in the country." "Everyone pats us on the back when an action is done well or when it gives results, as happened with the girl who disappeared in Ubu," concludes our interlocutor.
"But at the same time, no one is taking anything concrete to enable us to work stably, so that all volunteers and people who truly love this work can dedicate themselves to it even better and more relaxed."
