The 2014 KENTOP International Mountain Rescue Exchange Competition was held on June 16 on Dongshan Island, Fujian. Participants included relevant departments from national, provincial, and municipal levels, as well as 16 domestic and international mountain rescue teams such as the Korea Mountain Rescue Team, American Mountain Rescue Association, Chinese Taipei Mountain Association, Wuxi Civil Defense Rescue Brigade, Xiamen Polaris Rescue Team, and Shaanxi Provincial Mountain Rescue Team.
International Mountain Rescue Exchange Competition: Promoting the Development of China's Mountain Rescue Cause
The event lasted four days and was divided into two parts: technical exchange in mountain rescue and practical simulation competitions. The exchange segment featured selected widely used technical projects in the field of mountain rescue, including free climbing (on artificial walls), single rope ascent (SRT), high-angle stretcher crossing + stretcher escort, and heavy load hoisting (simulated cliff rescue). Rescue teams from South Korea, the United States, Taiwan, and various regions of China showcased their unique techniques and conducted on-site simulations. The competition segment selected three events from the exchange program: free climbing (on artificial walls), single rope ascent (SRT), and heavy load hoisting (simulated cliff rescue).
According to officials from the Chinese Mountaineering Association, compared to countries such as Austria, Australia, the United States, and South Korea, China’s mountain rescue efforts started later and the technical standards are not yet fully developed. Through this exchange and competition on Dongshan, mountain rescue workers gained a comprehensive understanding of the importance of advanced rescue techniques, physical endurance, and strong teamwork in mountain rescue operations. This plays a significant role in promoting and publicizing mountain rescue skills. It also helps to establish normalized exchanges and competitions in rescue technologies between international and domestic teams, steadily advancing China’s mountain rescue cause to new heights.
The event was co-organized by the Chinese Mountaineering Association and the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, hosted by the Zhangzhou Municipal Sports Bureau and the People's Government of Dongshan County, and supported by Huiyongtai Company.