Bulgaria Mountain Rescue Faces Scrutiny After Delayed Air Ambulance Response in Fatal Incident
A hiker died on March 7th in the Maliovitsa area of Bulgaria after a delayed response from the country’s air ambulance service sparked public outcry and questions about emergency protocols. The incident, initially reported by eyewitnesses on social media, has prompted the Mountain Rescue Service (PSS) to release a detailed timeline of events, although the Ministry of Health has yet to comment.
Timeline of the Rescue Attempt
At 1:00 p.m. On March 7th, the Central 24-hour Post (CDP) of the PSS received a distress call from a skier reporting that his companion had collapsed while skiing near Mount Bezimenen. The victim lost consciousness during the call. Rescuers immediately instructed the caller to begin CPR.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the duty officer at the CDP initiated a request for air ambulance support at 1:10 p.m., contacting the 112 emergency number to request authorization from the Air Medical Emergency Center (AMEA). Simultaneously, at 1:15 p.m., a PSS team in the Maljovitsa area, equipped with a defibrillator and medical supplies, was dispatched to the scene via snowmobile.
The incident occurred in a popular area, and several mountain rescuers from nearby detachments in Plovdiv, Pirdop, and Sofia were en route to assist. The incident was formally reported to the 112 system at 1:21 p.m. Further communication between rescue personnel and the CSMPV (Center for Emergency Medical Assistance) occurred at 1:24 p.m. And 1:30 p.m. To confirm coordinates and the victim’s condition.
At 1:38 p.m., the CSMPV authorized the activation of an air ambulance, notifying Bulgaria Heli Med Service. The PSS provided the service with coordinates, meteorological data, and photographic evidence of the accident site at 1:50 p.m. To aid in assessing the terrain. The helicopter finally took off at 2:18 p.m., with an estimated flight time of 20 minutes. It landed at the scene at 2:50 p.m., and the medical team pronounced the hiker dead at 3:02 p.m. The helicopter returned to base, landing at 3:54 p.m.
PSS Criticizes Air Ambulance Protocol
Following the unsuccessful rescue, the PSS expressed frustration with the Bulgaria Heli Med Service, stating that a request to transport the body to a lower elevation for easier retrieval was denied. The service cited its operating protocol as the reason, a decision the PSS deemed “factually but not morally correct” given the circumstances. The PSS extended its condolences to the deceased hiker’s family.
Second Incident Highlights Resource Strain
On the same day, at approximately 1:15 p.m., the PSS responded to another incident in the Yonchevo Lake area of Maljovitsa, involving a tourist with a knee injury. Due to the remote location and challenging terrain, ground transportation was required, extending the rescue operation until 10:30 p.m. This second incident further strained PSS resources, diverting personnel from ski area patrols and potentially exacerbating the injured tourist’s condition and increasing risks for rescuers.
Public Debate and Calls for Review
The delayed air ambulance response has ignited a debate on social media regarding the effectiveness of Bulgaria’s emergency medical services. The Ministry of Health has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident or potential reviews of existing protocols.