Archive of Recommendations from ICAR MedCom
Since 1996, ICAR MedCom has regularly issued recommendations on mountain emergency medicine, training and medical equipment. Some recommendations are a few years old, but still up to date, some are older and some are being revised. In the past, recommendations were formed through either research or an expert panel's view when there was no hard scientific data available, but international knowledge and experience. This is how the first recommendations arose. Over time, research data has not only become more important, but also more available.
All ICAR MedCom Recommendations that have been produced can be found on this page.
Recent Recommendations (less than 10 years)
MED REC 0033 | The Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist (AVRC) | ||||||||
Date Published | 17 October 2015 | ||||||||
Author (s) | Kottman Alexander, Blancher Marc, Pasquier Mathieu, Brugger Hermann | ||||||||
Comments/ Abstract | Please read the Introduction first. There is a mandatory teaching presentation for the implementation of the AVRC. The Checklist ist available in four languages. | ||||||||
Updates | N/A | ||||||||
Download (s) |
Introduction to the AVRC
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AVRC ENGLISH Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist English Version
AVRC Teaching Presentation ENGLISH
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AVRC DEUTSCH Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist Deutsche Version
AVRC Teaching Presentation DEUTSCH
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AVRC FRANCAIS Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist Version Francaise
AVRC Teaching Presentation FRANCAIS
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AVRC ITALIANO Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist Versione Italiana
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MED REC 0032 | Managing Moderate and Severe Pain in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 23 December 2013 | ||||
Author (s) | Ellerton John, Milani Mario, Blancher Marc, Zen-Ruffinen Gregoire, Skiaa Sven Christjar, Brink Bruce, Lohani Ashish, Paal Peter | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, Volume 15, Number 1, 2014, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc | ||||
Updates | |||||
Download (s) |
Managing Moderate and Severe Pain in MR
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MED REC 0031 | Resuscitation of Avalanche Victims | ||||
Date Published | 31 May 2013 | ||||
Author (s) | Brugger Hermann, Durrer Bruno, Elsensohn Fidel, Paal Peter, Strapazzon Giacomo, Winterberger Eveline, Zafren Ken, Boyd Jeff | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in Resuscitation, Volume 84, Issue 5 , Pages 539-546, May 2013 | ||||
Updates | Update on January 25, 2023 On-site treatment of avalanche victims: Scoping review and 2023 recommendations of the international commission for mountain emergency medicine (ICAR MedCom) https://www.resuscitationjournal.com/article/S0300-9572(23)00021-7/fulltext | ||||
Download (s) |
Resuscitation of Avalanche Victims
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MED REC 0030 | Termination of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 02 April 2012 | ||||
Author (s) | Paal Peter, Milani Mario, Brown Douglas, Boyd Jeff, Ellerton John | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, Volume 13, Number 3, 2012, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Termination of CPR in Mountain Rescue
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MED REC 0029 | Medical Standards for Mountain Rescue Operations Using Helicopters | ||||
Date Published | 13 June 2011 | ||||
Author (s) | Tomazin Iztok, Ellerton John, Reisten Oliver, Soteras Inigo, Avbelj Miha | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, Volume 12, Number 4, 2011, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Medical Standards for Mountain Rescue Operations Using Helicopters
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MED REC 0028 | Equipment of Medical Backpacks in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 23 May 2011 | ||||
Author (s) | Elsensohn Fidel, Soteras Inigo, Reisten Oliver, Ellerton John, Brugger Hermann, Paal Peter | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY, Volume 12, Number 4, 2011, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc | ||||
Updates | Planned Update : MED REC 0035 FIRST AID KIT | ||||
Download (s) |
Medical Backpacks in Mountain Rescue
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Recommendations older than 10 years
MED REC 0027 | Eye Problems in Mountain and Remote Areas: Prevention and On Site Treatment | ||||
Date Published | 31 October 2009 | ||||
Author (s) | Ellerton John, Zuljan Igor, Agazzi Giancelso, Boyd Jeff | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine, which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Eye Problems in Mountain and Remote Areas
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MED REC 0026 | Fluid Management in Traumatic Shock: A Practical Approach for Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 04 December 2008 | ||||
Author (s) | Sumann Günther, Paal Peter, Mair Peter, Ellerton John, Dahlberg Tore, Zen-Ruffinen Gregoire, Zafren Ken, Brugger Hermann | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY Volume 10, Number 1, 2009, © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Fluid Management in Traumatic Shock
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MED REC 0025 | Current Status of Medical Training in Mountain Rescue in America and Europe | ||||
Date Published | 26 January 2009 | ||||
Author (s) | Elsensohn Fidel, Niederklapfer Thomas, Ellerton John, Swangard Michael, Brugger Hermann, Paal Peter | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY Volume 10, Number 2, 2009 © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. DOI: 10.1089=ham.2008.1074 | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Current Status of Medical Training in Mountain Rescue in America and Europe
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MED REC 0024 | Immobilization and Splinting in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 13 February 2009 | ||||
Author (s) | Ellerton John, Tomazin Iztok, Brugger Hermann, Paal Peter | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine, ICAR-MEDCOM, which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | pending | ||||
Download (s) |
Immobilization and Splinting in Mountain Rescue
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MED REC 0023 | The Use of Extrication Devices in Crevasse Accidents | ||||
Date Published | 21 September 2008 | ||||
Author (s) | Winterberger Eveline, Jacomet Hans, Zafren Ken, Zen Ruffinen Grégoire, Jelk Bruno | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine - ICAR-MEDCOM - and the Terrestrial Rescue Commission of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue ICAR which have full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Extrication Devices in Crevasse Accidents
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MED REC 0022 | Venomous Snakebite in Mountainous Terrain: Prevention and Management | ||||
Date Published | 11 March 2008 | ||||
Author (s) | Boyd Jeff, Agazzi Giancelso, Svajda Dario, Morgan Arthur J, Ferrandis Silvia, Norris Robert | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the ICAR and UIAA MEDCOMS that have full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Venomous Snakebite in the Mountains
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MED REC 0021 | Basic Life Support Ventilation in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 03 January 2007 | ||||
Author (s) | Paal Peter, Ellerton John, Sumann Günther, Demetz Florian, Mair Peter, Brugger Hermann | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Basic Life Support Ventilation in Mountain Rescue
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MED REC 0020 | A Survey of Emergency Medical Services in Mountain Areas of Europe and North America | ||||
Date Published | 01 September 2005 | ||||
Author (s) | Brugger Hermann, Elsensohn Fidel, Syme David, Sumann Günther, Falk Markus | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Original publication: Brugger H, Elsensohn F, Syme D, Sumann G, Falk M. A survey of emergency | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
EMS in Mountain Areas of Europe and North America
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MED REC 0019 | The Use of Automated Defibrillators and Public Access Defibrillators in the Mountains | ||||||||
Date Published | 22 June 2006 | ||||||||
Author (s) | Elsensohn Fidel, Agazzi Giancelso, Syme David, Swangard Michael, Facchetti Gianluca, Brugger Hermann | ||||||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||||||
Updates | N/A | ||||||||
Download (s) |
The Use of AED in the Mountains ENGLISH
The Use of AED in the Mountains DEUTSCH
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MED REC 0018 | Lightning Injuries: Prevention and On Site Treatment in Mountains and Remote Areas | ||||||||
Date Published | 24 July 2005 | ||||||||
Author (s) | Zafren Ken, Durrer Bruno, Herry Jean-Pierre , Brugger Hermann | ||||||||
Comments/ Abstract | Published in RESUSCITATION, V65(3): 369-372, © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Official guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Medical Commission of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (ICAR and UIAA MEDCOM) | ||||||||
Updates | N/A | ||||||||
Download (s) |
Lightning Injuries, Prevention and On Site Treatment ENGLISH
Lightning Injuries, Prevention and On Site Treatment DEUTSCH
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MED REC 0017 | Medical Considerations in the Use of Helicopters in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 07 September 2004 | ||||
Author (s) | Tomazin Iztok, Kovacs Tim | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Medical Considerations for the Use of Helicopters in Mountain Rescue
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MED REC 0016 | Small Volume Therapy in Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 2002 | ||||
Author (s) | Thomas Alfred | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Small Volume Therapy in Mountain Rescue
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MED REC 0015 | On Site Treatment of Frostbite for Mountaineers | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 2000 | ||||
Author (s) | Syme David | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | This article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine which has full responsibility for the content. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
On Site Treatment of Frostbite
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MED REC 0014 | The Medical On Site Treatment of Hypothermia | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1998 | ||||
Author (s) | Brugger Hermann, Durrer Bruno, Syme David | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for First Responders and Emergency Physicians | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
The Medical On Site Treatment of Hypothermia
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MED REC 0013 | On Site Treatment of Avalanche Victims | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1999 | ||||
Author (s) | Brugger Hermann, Durrer Bruno | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Paper intended for physicians and paramedics | ||||
Updates | See MED REC 0031 Resuscitation of Avalanche Victims and MED REC 0033 The Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Card (AVRC) | ||||
Download (s) |
On Site Treatment of Avalanche Victims
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MED REC 0012 | Thoracostomy at the Scene of an Accident in the Mountains | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1996 | ||||
Author (s) | Forster Herbert, Zafren Ken | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for Emergency Physicians | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Thoracostomy at the Scene of an Accident in the Mountains
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MED REC 0011 | Emergency Intubation and Ventilation in the Field | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1998 | ||||
Author (s) | Thomas Alfred, Rammlmair Georg, Wiget Urs | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for mountain emergency physicians | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Emergency Intubation and Ventilation on the Field
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MED REC 0010 | Treatment of Pain in the Field | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1999 | ||||
Author (s) | Thomas Alfred, Wiget Urs, Rammlmair Georg | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for mountain emergency physicians | ||||
Updates | Consider MED REC 0032 Managing Moderate and Severe Pain and the Updated Version (Current Recommendations) | ||||
Download (s) |
Treatment of Pain in the Field
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MED REC 0009 | Treatment of Shoulder Dislocations | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1998 | ||||
Author (s) | Forster Herbert, Zafren Ken | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for mountain rescue first responders and rescue physicians according to national regulations. | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Treatment of Shoulder Dislocations
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MED REC 0008 | Treatment of Dislocations and Fractures | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1996 | ||||
Author (s) | Forster Herbert, Zafren Ken | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for all rescue first responders according to national regulations | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Treatment of Dislocations and Fractures
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MED REC 0007 | Immobilisation and the Use of the Vacuum Mattress in Organised Mountain Rescue | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 2001 | ||||
Author (s) | Rammlmair Georg, Zafren Ken | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for Mountain Rescuers and Mountain Emergency Physicians | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Immobilisation and the Use of the Vacuum Mattress in Organised Mountain Rescue
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MED REC 0006 | Equipment for Canyoing Rescue Doctors | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 2001 | ||||
Author (s) | Ledoux Xavier, Wiget Urs | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for Emergency Physicians | ||||
Updates | Planned update : Canyoning Guidelines | ||||
Download (s) |
Equipment for Canyoning Rescue Doctors
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MED REC 0005 | A Modular First Aid Kit for Alpinists, Mountain Guides and Alpinist Physicians | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1998 | ||||
Author (s) | Wiget Urs | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Intended for physicians and pharmacists according to national regulations | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Modular Fist Aid Kit for Alpinists, Mountain Guides and Physicians
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MED REC 0004 | Contents of a Mountain Refuge's Pharmacy | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 1996 | ||||
Author (s) | Vogt Christian, Thomas Alfred, Forster Herbert, Wiget Urs | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | Paper intended for physicians and pharmacists according to national regulations | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Contents of a Mountain Refuge's Pharmacy
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MED REC 0003 | Qualifications for Emergency Doctors in Mountain Rescue Operations | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 2001 | ||||
Author (s) | Rammlmair Georg, Zafren Ken, Elsensohn Fidel | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | ICAR Recommendation intended for Mountain Emergency Physicians | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
Qualifications for Emergency Doctors in Mountain Rescue Operations
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MED REC 0002 | Canyoning Rescue for Professional Guides | ||||
Date Published | 31 December 2001 | ||||
Author (s) | Wiget Urs, Ledoux Xavier | ||||
Comments/ Abstract | N/A | ||||
Updates | Planned update : Canyoning Guidelines | ||||
Download (s) |
Canyoning Rescue for Professional Guides
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MED REC 0001 | First Aid Training Guidelines | ||||
Date published | 1996 | ||||
Author (s) | Fidel Elsensohn | ||||
Comments / Abstract | N/A | ||||
Updates | N/A | ||||
Download (s) |
First Aid Training Guidelines for Mountain Rescue
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