Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue
| Abbreviation | TOPR |
|---|---|
| Formation | October 29, 1909 |
| Type | NGO |
| Registration no. | KRS 0000032187 |
| Purpose | mountain rescue |
| Location | |
Region | Tatra mountains |
| Leader | Bolesław Pietrzyk |
| Website | https://topr.pl/ |
Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (Polish: Tatrzańskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe (TOPR)) is a non-profit association in Poland, that perform mountain rescue activities with Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration consent, rescuing stranded mountain climbers, tourists, skiers, and others in need of rescue in the Polish Tatra mountains. It is one of the oldest mountain rescue associations in the world.
Each potential rescuer is required to complete a special training course (lasting between 1.5 and 3 years), in which every volunteer is to exhibit excellent knowledge in Tatra topography as well as practical abilities including climbing, skiing, spelunking, lifesaving and first aid. After completing the training the rescuer takes an oath on the director's hand.
In 2011 TOPR consisted of around 250 members, 140 of whom had acquired permission to participate in rescue missions. The majority of the rescuers are volunteers; only 33 are professional rescuers.As of 2024, the number increased to 48
Unlike many other mountain rescue organizations, TOPR does not charge any payment for rescues, being forbidden from doing so by Polish law. Instead, the organization is funded by Poland's internal affairs ministry, donations from individuals and companies, and entry fees to the Tatra National Park. Jan Krzysztof, head of TOPR rescue division, is constantly against charging tourists any rescue fee.