The Regional Civil Protection Service, IP-RAM through the Regional Relief Operations Command – CROS, have stated that since the beginning of 2022, roughly 68 accidents in levadas or pedestrian paths, have resulted in the need to mobilise rescue resources.
The locations of the 68 accidents are as follows: Santana (23); Machico (15), Funchal (10), Ribeira Brava (6), Calheta (5), Câmara de Lobos (3), São Vicente (3), Santa Cruz (1), Porto Moniz (1) and Porto Santo (1) ).
“In this sense, the SRPC, IP-RAM, through the Training Division, implements several courses, in the area of Wide Angle Rescue, to the various Fire Departments of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, enabling the operators with essential technical and operational skills, making them able to deal with occurrences in extreme environments such as mountains and cliffs.” Reiterated the Regional Secretary of Health and Civil Protection, in a statement issued today.
In addition to the training provided, an operational training plan is also carried out, with CROS and the various rescue teams of the Fire Departments, in order to guarantee the standardisation of procedures associated with Command, Control and Communications and consequently their integration in the support decision when necessary in the Theatre of Operations.
Furthermore, there has been a renewed call for people to exercise care when walking along the island’s pedestrian routes, and to take the following precautions.
• Use of appropriate equipment (shoes / clothing)
• An assessment and recognition of the route you intend to take;
• Be aware of the time it may take to complete the route, as well as the associated level of demand.
Also please ensure that you carry plenty of water, snacks and a fully charged mobile phone with a list of emergency contact numbers.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
