Heavy rain showers

Hypothermic woman (42) rescued on the Schneeberg

A hiker wanted to walk from the Baumgartner refuge to the Knofeleben Naturefriends House. She was surprised by heavy rain showers.

(Bild: Bergrettung NÖ/W)

On Friday, a 42-year-old female hiker alerted Reichenau Mountain Rescue. She was unable to continue due to physical problems, and heavy rain showers also made the situation more difficult. 

At around 11 a.m., Reichenau Mountain Rescue was called for help by a woman from the district of Neunkirchen (Lower Austria). The 42-year-old went on a hike on the Schneeberg on Friday and wanted to walk from the Baumgartner refuge to the Knofeleben Naturefriends House. However, the weather threw a spanner in the works, with heavy rain showers making the hike difficult. She also complained of physical problems, which is why she finally called the emergency services.

Due to the weather, it was not possible to rescue her by air, reports the mountain rescue team. Hut manager and mountain rescuer Marco Auer from Knofeleben had to climb up via the Wassersteig together with another companion. A team also drove to the Naturfreundehaus together with the Alpine police.

(Bild: Bergrettung NÖ/W)

Woman found hypothermic
However, the emergency services did not find the woman on the Wassersteig - the connecting path between Krummbachsattel and Knofeleben. Another descent into the Krummbachgraben followed. "The hypothermic person was found there and given initial treatment," explains the mountain rescue team. The ascent to the hut began, and the first rescue team and the second rescue team, including the Alpine police, met at the Wassersteig.

There, the Lower Austrian woman was provided with warm drinks, among other things, before continuing the rest of the way to the hut. 

Pay attention to equipment
The weather has been warm for days, but very unstable, according to the mountain rescue service. Hikers should make sure they have appropriate clothing such as rain protection, and sturdy shoes are also necessary. "Even at 15 to 20 degrees, the body cools down very quickly," warn the emergency services.