The Provincial Firefighters Consortium reported a morning of urgent mountain rescues involving hikers in the Altea and Xixona regions. The incidents underscore the challenges that come with remote terrain and sudden weather changes, as well as the coordinated response required to ensure safe outcomes.
Early in the afternoon, rescuers were alerted to a hiker who had slipped while navigating the Sierra de Bernia near Altea. An 83 year old man, accompanied by visitors from Norway, sustained a sprained ankle that left him unable to walk. The rescue operation began moments after the alert was received, and first aid was promptly administered to stabilize the man while additional resources were mobilized. The terrain made movement difficult, and the team needed to plan a careful extraction to prevent further injury while maintaining the comfort and safety of the patient.
In a coordinated effort that demonstrated rapid deployment, the Alpha 01 helicopter joined forces with the Mountain Rescue Group from the City Fire Consortium. Firefighters and a paramedic prepared for an aerial extraction, lowering from the helicopter in a narrow ascent to reach the injured hiker. After stabilizing the patient, the team transported him to San Vicente del Raspeig park. There, a police officer provided further assistance, and the Basic Life Support ambulance team awaited to complete the handover and continue care. The operation emphasized precise communication and teamwork to ensure a smooth transition from air to ground evacuation.
To Call
The emergency response did not stop there. Within moments, crews maintained engine power and expanded the search to the Sierra de Xixona area where another individual required assistance. Shortly after dawn, a 21-year-old teenager had departed without water or food and, as daylight progressed, became disoriented and sought help. The search pattern combined aerial reconnaissance with on-the-ground units to ensure no misstep in locating the missing person.
Using the helicopter as a platform for rapid geolocation, rescuers pinpointed the teenager after a focused search. Ground teams coordinated with the Xixona Local Police and the Civil Guard to secure the area and establish a clear route for recovery. As the search concluded, responders prepared for a cautious ascent and eventual handover to the local medical services, ensuring the young man received immediate attention and care at a suitable facility. The incident highlights the importance of staying hydrated and equipped for unexpected delays when venturing into mountain territories and the value of cross-agency collaboration in rural settings.