A dramatic rescue operation unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at Zavala Beach on the Croatian island of Hvar after a young woman suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 2:30 PM when the woman was sitting in the shade with her partner before heading to get coffee. Moments later, she collapsed and fell unconscious on the ground. Her visibly distressed partner called for help, prompting another bystander to assist by turning the woman onto her side to prevent suffocation and calling emergency services. The witness described how they cooled the woman down with cold water while waiting for assistance. Emergency responders informed the witness that the nearest medical team from the town of Hvar would take approximately 45 minutes to reach them via land. However, shortly afterward, the witness received a call stating that a helicopter was en route to provide urgent medical aid. The helicopter arrived at the scene within 18 minutes, but due to the crowded dock area filled with boats, motors, fishing nets, and other equipment, the pilot could not make a safe landing. Instead, the pilot decided to perform a daring maneuver. The helicopter hovered just meters above the ground, lifting debris, cleaning brushes, and even sea foam into the air. It then descended to about one meter above the ground, allowing the medical team to jump out and rush to the patient’s side. The rescuers spent approximately 45 minutes providing immediate care to the woman before transporting her to the hospital. Initial reports suggest the diagnosis might be heat exhaustion, despite the woman having remained in the shade throughout the incident. The rescue operation took place in an extremely challenging terrain near Zavala on the island of Hvar, requiring an exceptional intervention by the emergency medical service. Due to the inaccessible nature of the area, the rescue helicopter had to land directly against a steep cliff face. Eyewitnesses described the situation as highly demanding, noting that the pilot initially attempted to land on a concrete pier but abandoned the attempt because the wind was blowing objects away, which could have caused further injuries. Given the urgency, the crew opted for a bold move, landing right next to the cliff, enabling the rescue team to quickly access the patient. As soon as the helicopter touched down, the rescuers rushed out and provided swift, professional, and coordinated assistance to the patient. They successfully transported the individual to the hospital, marking the successful conclusion of the dramatic rescue operation. On the Italian side of the border, a large fire broke out near Tržič on Saturday afternoon. Firefighters continue monitoring and extinguishing efforts, though the wind continues to complicate firefighting operations. The state road SS14 remains closed. According to local civil protection authorities, firefighters have managed to contain the fire, but the wind has reignited some flames overnight, forcing firefighters to return to the scene. The fire has burned through approximately 35 hectares of forested areas, and firefighters remain on site due to the risk of rapid rekindling from the heat and wind. According to Italian television RAI, the fire started in an area between Tržič and Devin, affecting wooded regions near inhabited areas between Štivan and Tržič. Thick smoke can be seen several kilometers away. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and follow instructions from local officials. A helicopter from Venice and a Canadian aircraft from Genoa have been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts. At Zavala Beach on Hvar, the dramatic rescue began around 2:30 PM when one of the beach visitors stepped out of the shade to join her partner for coffee. Witnesses described hearing a scream and crying as the woman collapsed, becoming unconscious with her skin appearing grayish-blue. Her partner was completely overwhelmed and shouted for someone to call for help while trying to assist her. Another bystander also came to the aid, turning the woman onto her side to prevent suffocation and cooling her with cold water. She called for the rescuers, who told her that the medical team from the town of Hvar would take about 45 minutes to arrive. Later, she was informed that a helicopter was coming to assist. An operator contacted the witness over the phone to try to clear space for the helicopter's landing. Initially, the helicopter was supposed to land on the pier where boats usually tie up, but it was occupied by stools, motors, fishing nets, and other equipment. Although the witness tried with others present to move items aside, they were unable to do so before the helicopter arrived within 18 minutes. Because the landing on the pier was deemed unsafe, the decision was made to descend low over the cliffs where the woman had fainted. On the pier, the propellers, which lift lighter objects and create foam at low altitude, could have become entangled in fishing nets. In addition to the pilot, two members of the medical team were in the helicopter. When the vessel descended about a meter above the ground, both members jumped out immediately and headed toward the victim. They carried all necessary equipment, including IV injections, medications, anesthetics, and other supplies. The witness noted that the woman soon showed signs of life, impressed by the professional and friendly approach of the medical team. The medical team cared for the woman on-site for approximately 45 minutes. She received IV fluids and treatment, partially recovering, but her condition remained serious. The woman was later taken to the hospital by helicopter. Regarding the help from those present, the witness emphasized that she was not the only one who helped. Foreigners who did not speak Croatian also rushed to assist. She received information that the woman had collapsed due to heat exhaustion. Interestingly, the woman had been in the shade all along. Just as they were heading to a restaurant for coffee, she felt unwell. The pilot of the helicopter, Igor Delić, spoke about the incident, describing how such “landings” are not uncommon for him and his colleagues. He stated that shortly before 3 PM, they received a request for an emergency medical flight to the village of Zavala, where the patient was located. Immediately upon receiving the request, they conducted a brief analysis of possible landing sites for the helicopter and set off towards Hvar. Upon arriving over Zavala, they examined the terrain and assessed that the landing would not be safe. Therefore, he decided to disembark the medical team from the hovering helicopter. Regarding the hovering over the rocks, Delić explained that this is a standard operational procedure in helicopter rescue missions. He stated that the maneuver was executed in accordance with prescribed procedures, effectively, cohesively, precisely, and safely. He added that the medical team quickly reached the patient and assisted her. After providing care, they transported her to the hospital. He emphasized that for pilots, flight technicians, and medical teams, this is not a particularly difficult operation. However, it can become more complicated if the helicopter's capabilities decrease due to increased mass, higher air temperatures, limited maneuverability, or adverse weather conditions such as strong winds.
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