The Black Forest mountain rescue service uses the Unimog extreme off-roader for rescue and transport operations.

Regular snow, storms and rocky terrain make mountain rescues a real challenge. But the Unimog U 4000 masters them with ease. The volunteers of the mountain rescue service in the Upper Black Forest region have already proven this.

At the end of 2016, the mountain rescue service for the Baden-Württemberg region received a Unimog U 4000 on long-term loan. It features a seven-seat double cab and which will be used operationally in the Feldberg area. Managing Director Lutz Scherer has already been won over by the performance of the Unimog: "This vehicle will be absolutely the right thing for our very specific requirements and it will allow us to better help any injured victims."

Great off-road competence and transport capacity.

The Unimog will further strengthen the off-road capabilities of the mountain rescue team in comparison with other organisations. What's more, the specialist vehicle also increases the ability of the mountain rescuers to help in civil protection, for example in the event of heavy floods. And, in the event of a mass mountain rescue operation, it provides additional transport capacity thanks to its crew cab. With a trailer suitable for use off-road, additional boats, generators, snow mobiles and other

Drinking water Unimog transports mobile water purifying unit in hard-to-reach terrain.

Above its 3850-mm wheelbase, a steel platform with tarpaulin forms the load area of the Unimog U 4000 on which the mountain rescuers can carry the required rescue materials in modules. The OM 924 LA Euro V four-cylinder diesel engine serves up 160 kW/218 hp, which are transferred to each wheel of the all-wheel drive system. Hugely advantageous to the Unimog extreme off-roader are its optimal ride characteristics on difficult terrain, the extraordinary robustness and the frame torsion of up to 600 mm when driving off-road. Further advantages include: portal axles, the vehicle's low centre of gravity and extremely favourable values for the angles of approach and departure (approach: 44°, departure: 51°), the breakover angle (34°) and gradient climbing ability (45°). Equally important is its fording capability of up to 1.20 m and a lateral incline of 38°.

Modular loading concept for mountain rescue operations.

So-called rescue modules are loaded onto drays in order to quickly equip the Unimog with additional logistic supplies for operations. Equipment for providing emergency assistance includes the cableway module and the lighting module featuring emergency electricity generators and floodlights. The care module includes a tent with equipment for providing first-aid to injured victims. Meanwhile, the avalanche module contains materials for the organized probing and rescue of patients in avalanches. By loading the avalanche module, the Black Forest mountain rescue service saves having to procure and stock additional materials for the various mountain rescue stations at Belchen, Feldberg and Schauinsland.

Rescue service on behalf of the State of Baden-Württemberg.

In the spring and summer months it helps hikers, mountain climbers and paragliders in emergency situations. Every now and again, cave rescues are also necessary. In the winter months, operations involve a heavier concentration of people practising winter sports as well as avalanche rescues. Throughout the entire year, the mountain rescuers are involved in air rescue missions and cableway evacuations.

The Feldberg region is a real magnet for tourists and attracts more than nine million visitors per year. The mountain rescuers are involved in as many as 600 emergency and rescue missions on average and can now count on the support of the Unimog.