In a breathtaking display of innovation and courage, French emergency services have executed a world-first mountain rescue, saving an injured Israeli hiker using a drone-deployed zipline on the perilous slopes of the Pyrenees.
The dramatic operation unfolded near the Puymorens pass, a rugged mountain area straddling the French-Spanish border, after the 32-year-old hiker suffered a severe leg injury while navigating the treacherous terrain, leaving him stranded and unable to move.
A Race Against Time
Faced with a complex and dangerous rescue scenario, where conventional methods posed significant risks to both the victim and rescue teams, the seasoned mountain gendarmes of the PGHM (Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne) made a critical decision: to deploy cutting-edge technology.
Using a specialised drone, the team expertly flew a robust zipline directly to the stricken hiker's position. This ingenious setup allowed rescuers to securely send essential medical supplies, food, and water to stabilise the man while they planned the final extraction.
The High-Tech Extraction
With the zipline in place, a rescuer was then able to traverse the line directly to the victim. The medic provided crucial on-the-spot emergency care before both were safely winched to safety by a helicopter that arrived on the scene.
This successful mission, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, highlights a revolutionary step forward in mountain rescue techniques. The use of drone technology mitigated the immense risks typically associated with rescues on unstable, steep slopes, protecting the rescue team from potential rockfalls and falls.
Expert Reaction and Future Implications
Local authorities have hailed the operation a complete success. The innovative tactic not only ensured the swift and safe rescue of the hiker but also demonstrated a new protocol that could save countless lives in future mountain emergencies across the globe.
The Israeli national was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital in Perpignan for treatment and is reported to be in a stable condition, grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the French rescue services.
