Woman Airlifted to Hospital After Collapsing on Hvar Beach

A summer day on a beach in Zavala, Hvar, turned into a rescue operation when a young woman suddenly fell ill. Bystanders and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) responded quickly to provide care and transport her to the hospital.

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She lost consciousness, turned blue, and showed almost no signs of life.

Witnesses said the woman was walking with her husband when she collapsed around 2:30 p.m. She lost consciousness and appeared to have no vital signs. While her husband sought help, nearby people turned her on her side to prevent choking, poured cold water on her, and called emergency services.

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The helicopter arrived in just 18 minutes from the call.

The HEMS helicopter arrived within 18 minutes of the call, as a ground ambulance would have taken about 40 minutes. The crew decided against landing on a nearby pier due to fishing nets and other equipment, opting instead to lower the medical team from a hovering helicopter near rocky cliffs. The strong downdraft from the rotors blew towels, nets, and sea foam into the air, creating a dramatic scene as the helicopter remained close to the ground.

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The pilot made the decision to land the medical team from the hovering helicopter above the nearby rocks.

Medical professionals administered emergency aid, including an IV drip and necessary medication, and the woman began to show signs of recovery. After about 45 minutes of treatment on-site, she was loaded into the helicopter from the rocky area and taken to the hospital.

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Doctors immediately began providing emergency medical assistance, including infusion and necessary therapy, after which the woman began to show signs of recovery.