Andrea Innocenti The mountains of Pescara, located in the heart of the municipality of Sant'Eufemia a Maiella, witnessed an emergency situation on Saturday, October 10th, involving young, inexperienced hikers. The group of five young people was hiking the B5 – Rava del Ferro trail when sudden bad weather transformed their normal hike into a test of extreme endurance.
The forecast had indicated the possibility of adverse conditions, but the speed with which the storm arrived surprised the participants, forcing them to stop in a point difficult to reach by transport.
At 19:00 PM, one of the group members raised the alarm by calling the emergency number 112, reporting the presence of five individuals in difficulty and the need for immediate intervention.
The report was transmitted in real time to the competent authorities, who immediately activated the so-called rescue machine . The emergency response involved the forces of the CNSAS Abruzzo , the firefighters , the 118 medical personnel and the Carabinieri, all coordinated to ensure a rapid and effective operation.
Alarm at 7pm: the group of five young people is in trouble
First contact with rescue teams occurred shortly after the call. Alpine Rescue technicians immediately began procedures to locate the five hikers, using both radio communications and the GPS coordinates transmitted by the boys' emergency device. The situation was characterized by reduced visibility due to fog and intermittent rain, making the location operation more complex than usual. Despite the difficulties, the search units managed to pinpoint the group's exact location within minutes, confirming the presence of all five young people on the trail.
Joint intervention by CNSAS, the police, 118 and the Carabinieri
The Abruzzo National Center for Mountaineering (CNSAS ), specializing in mountain operations, coordinated the deployment of Alpine Guide teams along the trail, enabling the team to advance safely across rugged terrain. Firefighters brought with them first aid equipment and heating devices, essential for combating the early signs of hypothermia detected in two of the group members. Meanwhile, 118 emergency personnel were ready to provide medical assistance on site, assessing the children's health and preparing for any medical evacuations. Finally, the Carabinieri (Italian Carabinieri) handled the logistics, managing access to the site and ensuring the safety of the entire operational area.
Two boys in critical condition with hypothermia
According to initial medical assessments, two of the five hikers showed signs of hypothermia , a dangerous condition that occurs when body temperature drops below 35°C. Rescuers immediately initiated an active rewarming protocol, providing the young people with thermal blankets and hot drinks, while constantly monitoring their vital signs. Prompt intervention was crucial to prevent the situation from worsening, as low temperatures and high humidity could worsen the boys' condition in just a few minutes.
Operational challenges on trail B5 – Rava del Ferro
Trail B5 – Rava del Ferro is known for its steep profile and windy sections, characteristics that significantly increase its danger in bad weather. Rescuers had to deal with slippery slopes, unstable rocks, and visibility sometimes limited to a few meters. Furthermore, the weather caused ice to form on part of the trail, forcing teams to use crampons and ice axes to ensure stability during the descent. Teamwork between the various forces was crucial in overcoming these obstacles, allowing them to gradually approach the group and prepare for the evacuation phase.
At the time of writing, rescue operations are still ongoing, with rescue teams advancing toward the location where the five young people were located. The primary objective remains to bring all members of the group to safety as quickly as possible, providing medical care to those in need and ensuring everyone's return to their homes. The prompt response and the synergy between the CNSAS Abruzzo fire brigade 118 and the Carabinieri ( Italian National Rescue Service) are a concrete example of how interinstitutional collaboration can make a difference in critical mountain situations.