Idman.biz
"On the way, I tried to provide first aid to a climber in a serious condition, and my knowledge and skills as a rescuer helped a lot at that time."
This was stated in an interview with AZERTAC by Sima Safarova, a rescuer of the Special Risky Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), who made a technical climb to Aconcagua (6962 meters), the highest peak in South America, at the initiative of the Azerbaijan Mountaineering Federation.
We present this interview.
- It is interesting, how did the idea of climbing Aconcagua peak come about?
- I have been engaged in mountaineering for 15 years. There is a concept of "the highest peaks of 7 continents" in mountaineering, and Aconcagua is also included in that list. For this reason, this peak has been in my plans for years.
- How long did you prepare for this climb?
- I do sports all year round - 12 months. I am engaged in swimming, running and climbing. This is already my lifestyle.
- What were the most difficult moments along the way?
- The most difficult part of this peak for me was the "deadline". Because there has never been a restriction on the peaks I have climbed so far, such as not being allowed to climb the peak after a certain hour. There were times when we thought we wouldn't be able to reach it, but thank God, we reached the peak on time.
- What surprised you about Aconcagua's weather and mountain conditions?
- The effect of altitude on this mountain was completely different from the peaks I had seen before. While adaptation to altitude in other mountains was possible in one day, here this process was more difficult and longer.
- What did you feel when you reached the summit?
- There was a great feeling of joy and pride inside me. We did it and waved the Azerbaijani flag at the summit. This is our greatest pride and main mission.
- How did your experience as a rescuer of the Ministry of Emergency Situations help you in this climb?
- On the way, I tried to provide first aid to a climber in a serious condition, and my knowledge and skills as a rescuer helped a lot at that time. Unfortunately, despite all our efforts, it was not possible to save that person's life. My fellow climbers and I did our best, but the mountain had already made its judgment.
- Were there any dangerous situations during the expedition?
- The weather conditions were extremely harsh. The most dangerous moments were when we set off at night. At those moments, the risk of our hands freezing was very high.
- As a female mountaineer, how do you assess this success?
- As an Azerbaijani woman, climbing mountains and waving our flag at the summit requires double responsibility. Because as a woman, achieving success in any field requires more struggle and energy compared to men.
- What advice would you give to young people interested in this field?
- They should always do sports and make sports a lifestyle. In order to achieve success in any field, you must first work hard so that you can see its benefits later.
- Are you planning any new peaks or expeditions in the future?
- Of course, there are many plans. It just depends on certain financial issues. After we get this side of things sorted out, there will definitely be new peaks.
- Whose support would you especially like to mention in this success?
- First of all, I want to mention the support of my family. They have always believed in me and supported me morally. Then, the support of my friends who walked this path together is undeniable. We coped with this peak together.
