Firefighters carried out two separate mountain rescues this Sunday, successfully saving a hiker and a mountaineer in the provisional reports from the Provincial Consortium. The incidents unfolded in distinct locations within the Alicante region, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with rocky trails and vertical ascents in the area. In each case, responders coordinated rapidly to ensure the wellbeing of the individuals involved, deploying aerial support, ground teams, and specialized lifting equipment to bring the casualties to safety and medical attention. The events highlight the vital role of trained crews who respond to incidents in remote terrain and the importance of staying prepared when enjoying the region’s popular hiking routes. [Source: Provincial Consortium reports]
The first incident occurred just before 11:00 a.m. along the Sierra de Bernia, a popular area that spans the municipalities of Altea and Callosa d’en Sarrià, among others, and lies near the Forat road. A 34-year-old hiker suffered a possible ankle fracture after a fall estimated at four to five meters on a trail that winds through rocky sections and uneven ground. Firefighters reached the scene with careful assessment and crowd control to protect the patient while stabilizing the leg. A rescue plan was rapidly executed, prioritizing immobilization to prevent further injury, and a splint was prepared for transport. The consequence of the alert, received by the Consortium at 10:58 a.m., was a swift response that included a rescue helicopter. Ground crews coordinated with the air unit as the immobilized hiker was prepared for airlift. The device then lifted the patient to the helicopter, and the team transferred the person to the San Vicente del Raspeig fire station for further medical care. The operation concluded at 12:17 p.m., following a careful handover to medical staff. This rescue illustrates the dangers of slips on uneven terrain and the importance of maintaining three points of contact on steep sections and using appropriate splinting equipment when a fracture is suspected. [Source: Provincial Consortium reports]
The second incident occurred at 11:39 a.m. at Rincón de Bonanza in Orihuela, where a 55-year-old climber fell from a height of about five meters while ascending near a rock face. The fall resulted in injuries to both ankles and prompted an immediate aerial response to reduce the risk of further harm during extraction. The helicopter was deployed as rescuers evaluated the patient on a steep slope close to a climbing wall. Ground crews descended to provide initial first aid, stabilizing the injuries and preparing the climber for transport. The climber was then hoisted by crane into the aircraft, a process that requires precise coordination to keep both patient and rescuers safe in the variable terrain. The operation wrapped up at 2:23 p.m., after the individual was secured for transport and handed off to on-site medical teams for continued care. The report notes that the fall was likely caused by a rock movement, emphasizing the need for vigilance around loose rock on popular climbing routes. [Source: Provincial Consortium reports]