In the extreme heat, they ran out of water, and the worst-case scenario ensued.

Two foreign hikers died during an extreme heatwave in Croatia, highlighting the dangers of mountain hiking under such conditions and sparking debate over the need for more effective rescue systems, including helicopter extraction with winch capabilities. The incident occurred near Mount Sutvid in southern Croatia, where temperatures had reached dangerous levels, leaving the two men stranded without water. One of them collapsed suddenly and later succumbed to his injuries despite immediate efforts by rescuers to save him. The pair had embarked on their hike despite the high temperatures affecting much of Dalmatia. Upon returning, they found themselves without access to water, which led to one of the hikers falling ill. Rescuers from the HGSS Makarska station were dispatched immediately after receiving a call. Eight rescuers arrived at the scene and began life-saving procedures, but the injured man could not be saved. The rescuers confirmed this outcome through their Facebook page, describing the situation as tragic and emphasizing the risks posed by extreme weather conditions for outdoor activities. The tragedy has reignited discussions about the importance of having an efficient rescue system equipped with helicopters capable of extracting victims using winches. Croatian rescuers noted that in remote mountainous areas, where access is extremely difficult, the presence of medical teams and special aerial transport can be crucial. They questioned why such a system is not yet fully operational and why these issues arise only after such incidents, rather than being addressed as standard practice. Similar debates have been ongoing in Slovenia regarding the purchase of new rescue helicopters. Earlier this year, the government decided to buy new helicopters through a tender process managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Two helicopters from the manufacturer Leonardo were selected, valued at nearly 32 million euros including VAT, while Airbus Helicopters Deutschland was excluded due to its lower bid, according to ministry statements. However, the excluded Airbus H145 model would have allowed for patient retrieval via winch in the required configuration, whereas the final chosen configuration of the medical module on the Leonardo helicopters does not support this feature. Tomaž Mrlak, a Slovenian pilot who currently flies emergency helicopters in Croatia, emphasized the critical role of winching in rescue operations, especially when terrain makes landing near the victim impossible. He raised questions about the purpose of purchasing helicopters if they are not configured primarily for patient care, medical teams, and rescue operations in the most challenging situations. Slovenia still does not have new dedicated rescue helicopters. A contract was signed last October with the Italian company Leonardo, but delivery of the helicopters is pending. Currently, emergency helicopter medical services continue to be carried out using existing transport helicopters from the Slovenian military or police. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and equipment in emergency response systems, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather conditions. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that future investments align with the practical requirements of rescue missions in the most demanding environments.