A stroll in the picturesque Fuente Dé glacier cirque in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park ended tragically for a 74-year-old German hiker. On Tuesday afternoon, the man suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away despite immediate rescue efforts.
Witnesses noticed the hiker’s critical condition around 6:40 PM and immediately alerted emergency services via 112. The rapid response of the rescue teams was impressive: a rescue helicopter team, the fire department, and emergency medical services 061 were mobilized. SUAP personnel, executive members, and the Guardia Civil were also on site to provide support.
Rapid Assistance at the Scene
First responders, including staff from the Regional Society for Tourism Promotion CANTUR, immediately attended to the affected man. Arriving firefighters secured the hiker on a rescue stretcher and carried him to an area accessible to medical personnel from the Cantabrian Health Service. The helicopter rescue team also arrived there to ensure the best possible medical care.
Despite intensive efforts and the use of advanced resuscitation techniques, the cardiac arrest could not be reversed. The man passed away at the scene. His body was handed over to the Guardia Civil for further investigation.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk even during seemingly harmless walks in alpine environments. It underscores the importance of paying attention to one’s physical condition and calling for help immediately in an emergency. For more information on hiking trails and safety in the national park, please visit the official Picos de Europa National Park websites.
