Kalymnos Rescue Team
Short History
Kalymnos Rescue Team was formed in 2013, by people who live on the island in order to cover, voluntarily, as better as they can, every climbing accident that can occur on the island.
The team’s main purpose is to aid in any accident concerning climbing or other activities that take place on land and in rough areas that medical care cannot reach easily, as in trekking paths around the island.
The team consists of 23 people, climbers and non climbers, Kalymnian and foreigners who live on the island for a long time now. The team has trained members to operate on the ground, as well as above it, in any height a climbing accident can occur. The first training was performed by an instructor of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing and a second one was from Lyon Equipment, UK, both in rope rescue techniques.
Kalymnos rescue team was formed by the initiative of local businesses, Alternet tourist services and Wildsports climbing shop, and supported by the Petzl foundation and the Municipality of Kalymnos. Now, the team’s basic funds come from peoples’ support and donation. Our top priority is to keep training, in rescue techniques and first aid, and to have all the necessary material for rescue.
Where and how to find us
Until the team’s official home is ready, we are hosted by one of our sponsors, the Alternet tourist services office, in Oasis hotel in Masouri.
The best way for somebody to find us in case of emergency, is to call 112, the european emergency number, without charge, and ask to be connected to the Hospital of Kalymnos. The hospital calls directly us and we get to the place of the accident.
It is extremely important for everyone to know that it makes it much easier and quicker for us to get to the point, if when you call for help you specify the place, the climbing sector, the situation eg. hanging or not, in a cave or not, the injury and generally any information that can help us prepare correctly for the rescue.
Other useful numbers are:
Emergency office, Kalymnos hospital: +30 22433 61931
Police station: +30 22430 22100
If you just want to contact us, you can write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ways to help us
Donate! In Kalymnos we have fixed official donation boxes in key points, bars, bike rentals, shops, and soon we will have our own bank account to accept donations from whoever will want to contribute to our work. Also, if you wish to buy the Alternet card, which offers discounts in various businesses and activities, you give a small amount to the Rescue team.
We can use your expertise! If you are a mountain rescuer or a paramedic and you plan to come to Kalymnos for holidays, please contact us or come to find us in our office and let us know you are here and available for a possible rescue. We are a voluntary team and extra hands or knowledge is always needed!
