Mountain rescuers lose money on pulling out - many are considering quitting

Swedish mountain rescuers are currently losing money when they pull out.

A mountain rescuer keeps his own car, trailer and scooter, among other things.

The agreement for mileage compensation was set in 2008 at around SEK 24, including certain supplements, with today's fuel prices * some mountain rescuers have considered terminating their assignment unless the mileage compensation is increased.

- My biggest fear is that the mountain rescuers are starting to resign their mission as mountain rescuers because they can not afford it, says Rickard Svedjesten, chairman of the Swedish mountain rescuers' national organization.

"Must make a decision before Easter"

The police, for which mountain rescue works on behalf, refer to the government and the Riksdag when the issue of increasing mileage compensation is raised, according to Rickard Svedjesten.

Now he wants the decision to raise it to come quickly.

- The government and parliament must make a decision before Easter, he says.

* When the article was written on 12.03.22, diesel for a passenger car cost approximately SEK 24.7 / l according to Circle K's and OKQ8's websites.