Heavy rain showers – hypothermic woman (42) rescued on Schneeberg

Around 11 a.m., the Reichenau mountain rescue service was called for help by a woman from the Neunkirchen district (Lower Austria). The 42-year-old went for a walk up the Schneeberg on Friday and wanted to walk from the Baumgartner hut to the Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben. However, the weather thwarted her plans; heavy rain showers made the walk more difficult. She also complained of physical problems, so she finally called 911.

Due to the weather, an aerial rescue was not possible, the mountain rescue team reported. Hut rental company and mountain rescuer Marco Auer from Knofeleben had to climb the water trail together with another comrade. A team also drove to the Friends of Nature House together with the Alpine Police.

Woman found hypothermic
However, the emergency services did not find the woman on the Wassersteig – the connecting path between Krummbachsattel and Knofeleben. Another descent into the Krummbachgraben followed. “The hypothermic person was found there and received initial care,” the mountain rescue team said. The climb to the hut began and the advance party and the second rescue team, including the Alpine Police, met at the Wassersteig.

There, the Lower Austrian was provided with hot drinks, among other things, before she could continue the rest of the way to the hut.

Pay attention to equipment
The weather has been warm for days, but very unstable, the mountain rescue team said. Hikers should definitely wear appropriate clothing, such as rain protection, and sturdy shoes are also necessary. “Even at 15 to 20 degrees, the body cools down very quickly,” the emergency services warn.