Our Team

Meet the Dancurás Team

The beginnings 2000s Present How to become a mountain rescuer?

The beginnings

The Gheorgheni Mountain Rescue Association was founded in 1977 by Ferenc Wild and Tibor Páll. They laid the foundations of the first generation of trained mountain rescue professionals, whose members won several national competitions and participated in international mountain rescue competitions in the High Tatras and Italy, earning significant recognition.
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Between 1977 and 1989, the Association benefited from support provided by the county authorities. Alongside strong dedication, this support contributed to achieving outstanding results. There was an annual budget, financial backing for training camps, and the development of young recruits. Several climbing routes and hiking trails were improved during this period.
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From 1990 onward, a new era began. Financial support ceased, tourism in the Red Lake area declined, and the resort area started to deteriorate. Logging activities damaged hiking routes, and infrastructure developments negatively impacted climbing areas. Economic interests began to outweigh environmental protection and landscape preservation.Despite these challenges, a few committed members continued voluntarily, at their own expense, maintaining the association, assisting people in distress, and restoring damaged climbing routes and trails.

In 1992, the Association took over a deteriorated medical building at Red Lake, which members restored through voluntary work and support from donors. In 1996, the most significant transformation occurred when the Dancurás Mountain Rescue Association was re-established as an independent non-profit organization, regaining support from local and county authorities.

2000s

Between 2000 and 2005, the Dancurás team became a stable and experienced unit, carrying out 15–25 rescue operations annually. These included assisting lost hikers, injured climbers, skiers, and people caught in avalanche-prone conditions. The team also began modernizing its equipment, acquiring new rescue kits, radios, and safety gear.

Between 2006 and 2010, the team integrated into the national Salvamont system. Members participated in regular training: rope rescue, mountain rescue techniques, first aid, and helicopter operations. They also took part in international exercises with Hungarian and Austrian mountain rescue teams. During this period, the team secured formal cooperation with the municipality of Gheorgheni, ensuring a stable operational framework.

Between 2011 and 2015, major infrastructure improvements were made. A dedicated rescue base was established, including a radio dispatch center, equipment storage, and operational facilities. The team also strengthened its online presence and participated in environmental protection activities and safety training programs.

Between 2016 and 2020, sustainability became a key focus. The team relied on donations and community support. Educational content, including videos and safety awareness materials, was developed to inform the public about mountain hazards and safe practices.

Present

Meet the people who head into the mountains in the worst conditions when someone needs help—quietly, professionally, and entirely on a voluntary basis. They are the ones who respond after work or during weekends, who train continuously and act without hesitation when needed. They do not work for recognition, but to save lives.