Helicopter operation

Skier suffers cardiac arrest after crash

Helicopter operation in the Golm ski resort in Vorarlberg.

(Bild: Bergrettung Vorarlberg, Wucher Helicopter)

Two serious accidents occurred on Vorarlberg's slopes on Friday. A female skier collided with another winter sports enthusiast and suffered a cardiac arrest, a 19-year-old fell around 40 meters. 

Two serious skiing accidents occurred in Montafon on Friday. A 69-year-old female skier was seriously injured in a collision with a 17-year-old and suffered a cardiovascular arrest. She received first aid from witnesses and was flown to hospital. Shortly afterwards, a 19-year-old skier fell 40 meters over rocky terrain. He activated his avalanche backpack, which, according to the police, may have saved him from serious injury.

The 69-year-old woman wanted to cross ski slope no. 3 on the Golm to an inn at lunchtime. A 17-year-old skier from Holland saw her too late below an edge of the slope and was unable to avoid a collision despite taking evasive action. There were two women with medical training nearby who immediately began resuscitating the skier. Almost at the same time as the collision, the rescue helicopter landed in the immediate vicinity due to another accident. After first aid, it flew the injured skier to Feldkirch Regional Hospital. The 17-year-old remained uninjured.

Avalanche rucksack with her
A few minutes later in the Hochjoch ski area, a 19-year-old skier lost control of his skis before a left-hand bend, overshot the right-hand edge of the piste and fell around 40 meters over rocky terrain. Before the fall, he managed to activate his avalanche backpack, which, according to the emergency services, may have protected him from serious injury. He suffered bruises and abrasions all over his body, but was able to descend independently towards Seebliga and alert the piste rescue service.