Shortly after 13:00, a routine afternoon in Umbria, Italy, quickly turned into a complex rescue mission when the Regional 118 Emergency Centre received an alert about an injured canyoner deep inside the Prodo Gorge. With ground access limited and terrain unforgiving, the operation demanded precision, coordination, and calm decision-making from every team involved.

The SASU (Umbria Alpine and Speleological Rescue) Duty Technician, stationed at the 118 Operations Centre, immediately identified the canyoner’s exact location and relayed precise coordinates to the Umbria Alpine and Speleological Rescue teams. From the hamlet of Prodo — the only access point to the gorge — specialised SASU technicians, supported by medical personnel, made their way down into the canyon.

On arrival, the team found the patient suffering from a serious injury to his right leg. Initial medical care was administered on site before the canyoner was carefully immobilised on a stretcher designed specifically for narrow gorge environments. The evacuation continued along a technically demanding stretch of rock drops, where every movement required focus and coordination. As the team reached a section of the gorge suitable for aerial support, the Umbria 118 air ambulance Nibbio 01 arrived overhead.

Piloted by Avincis Captain Giovanni Ponzo, the helicopter deployed an Alpine Rescue winch technician into the gorge, allowing the patient to be safely hoisted on board alongside medical staff. Reflecting on the challenge of maintaining control in such a restricted environment, Captain Giovanni Ponzo noted: “In a gorge this tight, the margins are incredibly small. Our stability in hover depends entirely on perfect synergy with the rescue team below. Everyone knew exactly what to do, and that made all the difference.”

Once secured, the canyoner was flown to Terni Hospital for further treatment. This mission highlights the critical role of seamless collaboration between ground rescue teams and air crews. In confined, high-risk environments like Prodo Gorge, success depends on preparation, shared expertise, and trust – ensuring that even in the most challenging conditions, help can reach those who need it most.