Two remarkable rescue operations took place in Vorarlberg last weekend. In Lustenau, two police officers became lifesavers early Sunday morning. They found a 75-year-old man lying motionless near their station. After an immediate emergency check, the officers started resuscitation measures and used a defibrillator. Together with the arriving paramedics, they managed to restore the man's heartbeat, after which he was taken to the Feldkirch State Hospital.
At the same time, there was an alpine emergency in Kleinwalsertal. Two German youths, aged 16 and 18, were hiking in the Widderstein area. Due to deep winter conditions, the hikers sank up to their stomachs in the snow. The 18-year-old lost his shoes but initially continued on his way in socks. The chilled youths finally made an emergency call and were rescued by the emergency doctor helicopter 'Gallus 1' using a winch. After initial treatment, they were able to return to their accommodation.
Experts point out the current contrasts in the mountains in this context. While south-facing slopes are already partly snow-free, deep winter still prevails in shady areas and higher regions, making the planning of mountain tours challenging.
