he heat and accidents force rescues to be intensified on mountain and pilgrimage routes
The Civil Guard has once again intervened in the Camino de Santiago after the rescue of a 75-year-old pilgrim who suffered a fall while performing a stage between the towns of Ascara and Santa Cilia, in the Jacetania region, province of Huesca. The incident adds to a particularly intense week for the mountain rescue teams in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
The accident occurred on June 2 when the pilgrim, a neighbor of Tarragona, suffered a fall on a section of the Camino de Santiago that caused various bruises and lacerations. After receiving the notice through the emergency services, members of the Jaca GREIM quickly moved to the area to locate the walker and proceed to evacuate him. He was later transferred to Jaca Hospital to receive medical attention.
The heat also hits hikers and pilgrims
The rescue of the pilgrim coincided with another notable intervention carried out by the Civil Guard in the northern area of Pico Aspe, in Aísa. There, a 62-year-old hiker began to suffer symptoms consistent with heat stroke, including nausea, vomiting, and chest pressure while hiking a mountain route accompanied by another hiker.
Given the seriousness of the situation, a large operation was activated consisting of the GREIM of Jaca, the Huesca Air Unit and medical personnel from 061. After locating the hikers, the affected person was evacuated by helicopter to Jaca and later transferred to the Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza.
A summer that begins with numerous incidents
Specialized mountain rescue teams have carried out numerous interventions during the first days of June. Among the most common incidents are falls, sprains, fractures, dehydration and heat stroke caused by high temperatures and, in some cases, insufficient planning of activities.
Specialists remember that the beginning of summer requires extreme precautions both on the Camino de Santiago and on hiking and mountain routes. Constant hydration, sun protection and adequate physical preparation are essential elements to avoid risk situations.
Safety on the Camino de Santiago
Although the Camino de Santiago continues to be one of the safest pilgrimage routes in the world, every year thousands of people travel along mountain sections, rural trails and roads far from urban centers. For this reason, the authorities recommend planning each stage well, checking the weather and not overestimating one's physical abilities.
The rescue of this 75-year-old pilgrim once again reminds us that prudence is as important as enthusiasm when embarking on the journey to Santiago de Compostela. Because getting to the Plaza del Obradoiro always begins with walking safely every kilometer of the Camino
