Elderly man falls ill on Sniježnica, Croatian Air Force helicopter involved in rescue

An elderly man who became ill while hiking on Sniježnica mountain in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County received swift assistance thanks to a joint effort involving the Croatian Air Force.

At the request of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), a Croatian Air Force helicopter was deployed to transport five rescuers to the summit of Sniježnica. The flight commenced at 1:15 PM, and within half an hour, the ill man was handed over to medical personnel for further treatment.

This successful rescue operation underscores the critical importance of coordinated action among emergency services. It also demonstrated the Croatian Air Force's readiness to support civilian institutions during extraordinary situations.

The incident highlights the challenges of providing medical aid in remote or difficult-to-access mountainous terrain and the vital role that aerial support can play in ensuring timely and effective rescue.