New medical helicopter in Pyrenees carries out 50 rescues in less than a month

A new, medically-staffed rescue helicopter based in the Pyrenees since June 11 has already carried out 50 operations, including 10 with a doctor on board.

The BELL429 model is based at Andorra-La Seu d'Urgell Airport during the week, and at weekends, bank holidays and vacation periods operates out of Tírvia heliport. This means it provides a service 365 days a year in the High Pyrenees and Aran region, up from around 200 days a year previously.

On days deemed high risk there will be three helicopters operating in Catalonia, according to David Borrell, head of the Fire Brigade. The helicopter based in the Pyrenees is joined by one in Sabadell (20km from Barcelona) and one in Olot, in the north of Catalonia.

Many areas of the Pyrenees frequented by hikers, climbers and others are hours on foot from the nearest road access, meaning air rescue is the only feasible option in the event of an injury or emergency.

The doctor who travels on the helicopter is aware of mountain rescue techniques and specialized in care for people with injuries which require immediate attention at the scene, explained Chus Cabañas, from Catalonia public Medical Emergencies Systems (SEM).

Since a new model of medical rescue was implemented last year at Sabadell airport, 600 rescues have been carried out with a doctor onboard. In many cases, Cabañas says, their presence has been decisive in saving the lives of these patients.