Fifteen Mountain Rescues on a Holy Week Holiday

The Generalitat Firefighters carried out numerous interventions, nine by helicopter, and urge caution and civic behavior.

Generic image of emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt
IA

Generic image of emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt

The first holiday of Holy Week saw 15 mountain rescues, nine of which involved helicopters, prompting the Generalitat Firefighters to emphasize the importance of safety and civic responsibility.

The arrival of good weather and holiday periods has led to an increase in outdoor activities, but also a significant rise in emergencies. The Firefighters stress the importance of prevention to avoid risky situations in natural environments.
Many operations have been concentrated in hard-to-reach areas, such as mountain trails, dense forests, or areas with abundant snow, which complicated rescue efforts. Incidents varied from minor scares to situations requiring a rapid and coordinated response from specialized teams.
Notable interventions include the rescue of an injured woman in Viladecans, evacuated by a light team to an ambulance, and another in Castelldefels, where a woman with a head injury received prompt medical assistance. Helicopters and members of the Special Actions Group (GRAE) were also mobilized for rescues in La Bisbal del Penedès, La Pobla de Segur, Horta de Sant Joan, Arbúcies, and Alfara de Carles, among other locations, performing aerial transfers and on-site care.

The General Directorate for Prevention, Extinction of Fires and Rescues (DGPEIS) insists on detailed planning for any mountain excursion or activity, especially if there is snow.

The General Directorate for Prevention, Extinction of Fires and Rescues (DGPEIS) advises careful planning for any mountain outing, especially in the presence of snow. It is essential to consult the Avalanche Hazard Bulletin and the weather forecast, as significant snow depths have been recorded at high altitudes this year. Additionally, it is recommended to review the Generalitat Civil Protection Map to identify flood-prone areas and stay informed about potential alerts for wind, snow, avalanches, floods, or forest fire risk. When traveling to snowy areas, it is crucial to carry snow chains in the car, a blanket, water, and a fully charged phone.
To minimize risks, experts highlight five essential guidelines: consider conditions and personal experience, plan the route with maps and time calculations, acquire specific knowledge through training, equip oneself appropriately with clothing, footwear, GPS, and provisions, and minimize risks by adjusting the activity to the group's physical condition. In case of an accident, immediately calling 112 is crucial to activate rescue services.