85 times. One needs to note, however, that on some days Sokół was
flying up to 5 hours a day. The year 2021 was a record-breaking period
when it comes to tourism, hence the higher number of accidents. Apart
from rescue operations, the crews also conducted joint exercises with
the TOPR personnel. This involved a landing operation in an exposed
area (Czołówka Mięgusza/Czołówka MSW wall), landing operations
on the southern side of the Zamarła Turnia (Świnica) or the western
side of Kościelec mountain, or deployment of cave rescue teams in the
Małołączniak area. In case of emergencies, the helicopter was taking off
in up to 8 to 10 minutes, counting from the reception of the assignment
from the TOPR's central units. In many cases, the reaction time was
bearing a key relevance for saving the life of the person in distress. The
possibility to fly high in the mountains, given to the Police thanks to
cooperation with the TOPR SAR teams (as the Tatra National Park is
off limits for aviation, except for the rescue helicopter) is one thing, but
being there to help and save lives is what gives the crews satisfaction.
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