Heli use – skier went into cardiac arrest after crash

Two serious skiing accidents occurred in Montafon on Friday. A 69-year-old skier was seriously injured in a collision with a 17-year-old and went into cardiac arrest. She was given first aid by witnesses and flown to hospital. Shortly afterwards, a 19-year-old skier fell 40 meters over rocky terrain. He activated his avalanche backpack, which police say may have saved him from serious injury.

The 69-year-old woman wanted to cross ski slope No. 3 on the Golm to an inn during lunch. A 17-year-old skier from the Netherlands saw them too late under the edge of the terrain and, despite evasive maneuvers, was unable to avoid a collision. There were two women with medical training nearby who immediately began resuscitating the skier. The rescue helicopter landed almost simultaneously with the collision due to a new accident in the immediate area. After providing first aid, he flew the injured skier to the LKH Feldkirch. The 17-year-old was unharmed.

Had an avalanche backpack with me
A few minutes later, a 19-year-old skier at the Hochjoch ski area lost control of his skis before a left turn, went over the right edge of the piste and fell about 40 meters over rocky terrain. Before the fall, he managed to activate his avalanche backpack, which may have protected him from serious injuries, according to emergency services. He suffered bruises and abrasions all over his body, but was able to descend towards Seebliga under his own power and alert the track rescue team.