Rescuing a hiker with broken ankle on a popular tourist destination near by Budapest

Rescuing a hiker with broken ankle on a popular tourist destination near by Budapest Magyar Barlangi Mentőszolgálat BMSz Cave RescueOn the afternoon of 28th of November 2021, in the rainy weather, a middle-aged lady suffered a fractured ankle during hiking on the area of „Hármashatár Hegy” on the side of „Újlaki Hegy”. Due to the difficult and exposed terrain, help was requested on the helpline of the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service (BMSz), and also an alert was also issued on the rescue hot-line of the National Ambulance Service. By consulting a relative of the injured by phone, the location of the patient could be determined, and a little later accurate GPS coordinates could be obtained.

The relatives reported that the person had suffered a leg injury, but not injured anywhere else, was conscious, they can talk to her, and is not disturbed - but he certainly could not stand on her feet on her own. They were asked to cover the patient with all the available clothes and coats for protect against the cold. They were reassured, that help will be arriving soon.

The report revealed that the site is about 700 meters from the end of the paved road that can be reached by car or by ambulance. From there the scene of the accident can reached on a steep rocky road, by SUV for a shorter distance and then only on foot.

Rescuing a hiker with broken ankle on a popular tourist destination near by Budapest Magyar Barlangi Mentőszolgálat BMSz Cave Rescue

The bus stop was chosen at the top of Hármashatár Hegy as a gathering point, and the mobile unit of the National Ambulance Service also arrived there. We set off for the injured with two SUVs, medical equipment and cave rescue service members. By the time we got to the site, it was getting dark, so headlights were needed for the work.

The doctor of the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service examined the injured, and then the fractured limb was stabilized with a fixture in addition, pain relief was administered. The injured lady was then transported in a special cave rescue stretcher on foot on the steep side to the SUVs. From this point, there was another 20-minute drive to the meeting point. Here the patient in good and stable condition was handed over to the National Ambulance Service. They transported her to the Emergency Department of the Honvéd Hospital.

Eighteen members and a doctor of the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service took part in the rescue, and one person from the Northern Hungarian Association of Cave Rescuers. In addition to the early darkness, the rescue was made very difficult by dense fog, torrential rain and mud. 

We wish the injured lady a quick recovery!

Photos: Márton Kovács

Rescuing a hiker with broken ankle on a popular tourist destination near by Budapest Magyar Barlangi Mentőszolgálat BMSz Cave Rescue

The Hungarian Cave Rescue Service (BMSz) celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. During this 60 years, the specialized knowledge of cave rescuers was required in more than 500 cases. In addition to cave accidents, the BMSz regularly helps hikers in distress on the surface or paragliders in the woods. All of the members of the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service are volunteers. The organization is available 0-24h on the emergency number CALL: +36307907079.

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