In the Alicante region, the Fire Department Provincial Consortium coordinated two urgent mountain rescues driven by extreme heat and challenging terrain. A hiker in Peñón de Ifach required immediate medical attention as heat illness manifested with chest discomfort and signs suggestive of hypotension. The incident prompted a rapid response from local rescue teams who were already on alert for strenuous conditions affecting hikers in the Calpe area.
The initial rescue operation unfolded shortly after Tuesday afternoon when the alert went out about the distressed hiker at Peñón de Ifach. The situation demanded swift medical assessment, and responders confirmed heat-related symptoms that could jeopardize the individual’s stability if not treated promptly on site.
From the outset, the Benissa Park staff and the Mountain Rescue Group mobilized with the support of the Alpha 1 helicopter. The aerial unit flew to the Calp location and teams established a landing zone at the Peñón de Ifach helipad. Paramedics from SAMU evaluated the patient on arrival and provided advanced life support measures before the transfer. The hiker was carefully moved into the aircraft and transported to Dénia Hospital, where continued monitoring and care could be delivered by the hospital’s medical staff. This sequence of actions demonstrates the seamless coordination between park services, mountain rescues, and air support in a high-stakes setting, ensuring a timely medical intervention when every minute matters. [Source: Alicante Fire Department]
The second rescue operation occurred later that same day, around eleven o’clock at night, on Mount Ponoig in Polop. The Mountain Rescue Group responded to reports of two hikers who had found themselves stranded in a precarious location. They were described as being on a steep ledge, with the terrain presenting significant risk as they navigated limited footholds and exposed sections. The rescuers approached with ropes and climbing equipment, preparing for a careful night ascent to reach the stranded individuals. Once located, the team established a safe path by attaching ropes and guiding the hikers through a controlled descent to lower ground where additional support could be arranged. The operation highlighted the essential role of rope work and teamwork in alpine emergencies and the need for close coordination with the Provincial Fire Consortium to manage the ascent, protection, and eventual evacuation. [Source: Alicante Fire Department]
To ensure a safe and efficient outcome, the rescue teams on Mount Ponoig coordinated the rope systems, devised a descent plan, and worked with multiple responders to move from ascent to exit. The passage of the hikers off the mountain relied on careful stage-by-stage progress, with team members remaining tethered and in constant communication to prevent slips or entanglements. This night-time operation underscores the demanding nature of mountain rescue work, where weather, visibility, and rugged geography converge to test the skill and endurance of every participant involved. [Source: Mountain Rescue Group and Provincial Fire Consortium]
The two rescues together illustrate the comprehensive approach used by regional emergency services when responding to heat-related incidents and alpine emergencies. The operations relied on the rapid deployment of ground teams, medical professionals, and air support to stabilize victims and extract them from hazardous environments. In Peñón de Ifach, the priority was immediate medical stabilization and rapid transport to a hospital capable of delivering intensive care. On Mount Ponoig, the focus was on the safe extraction of hikers from a precarious position and the preservation of life through meticulous rope work and coordinated movement. These events reinforce the importance of preparedness, training, and interagency cooperation in the management of high-risk outdoor emergencies. [Source: Alicante Fire Department]