Alicante firefighters to take on a ‘risky’ preventative operation to help save lives in future

THE Search and Rescue Unit of Alicante City Fire Service will carry out an ‘historic and risky’ vertical rescue drill on the face of Mount Benacantil on Friday, February 28.

For the first time, firefighters will descend through the Benacantil to secure a fully equipped ‘zip line’ on the hillside, which will be used in the event of having to carry out a rescue in the future.

It will be drilled into the rock to allow firefighters to access difficult and dangerous slopes.

Councillor for Security, José Ramón González, explained the firefighters will descend from the top of Benacantil to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Twenty specialists from the Search and Rescue Unit will manoeuvre themselves 300 metres from the top to simulate the rescue of a ‘hiker’ stuck on a ledge.

González stressed the importance of this simulation, which “requires great preparation, training and coordination.”

The Speis Search and Rescue specialized team consists of 30 firefighters in total. For more than two years they undergo training through theoretical-practical manoeuvres to enhance their ability to respond to and coordinate an emergency situation in the city.