Man Airlifted From La Graciosa After Serious Choking Incident
A 68-year-old man was airlifted from La Graciosa to Lanzarote on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest following a choking incident near the island’s harbour.
The emergency unfolded during the morning of 27 August 2026, when emergency services were alerted at around 9:19am after the man collapsed following the choking incident.
A member of the Local Police in La Graciosa was among the first to reach him and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Reports also state that an off-duty nurse at the scene assisted during those critical first moments.
Rapid response helped save his life
The situation was particularly serious because the man had suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest.
Emergency personnel subsequently used a semi-automatic external defibrillator (DESA), delivering a shock as part of the resuscitation attempt.
Medical staff from the La Graciosa Health Centre were then able to stabilise the patient, with the man regaining both a pulse and spontaneous breathing.
He was initially taken by ambulance to the island’s health centre before the decision was made to transfer him to Lanzarote for further hospital treatment.
Helicopter evacuation to Lanzarote
Because of the seriousness of his condition, the patient was subsequently evacuated by helicopter from La Graciosa to Lanzarote, where he was taken for hospital care at the Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa.
Emergency personnel also provided support around the landing and departure of the helicopter, ensuring the area was secure during the air evacuation.
Recognition for those who responded
The intervention has also highlighted the importance of having trained first responders and accessible emergency equipment available in the Canary Islands.
The prompt actions of the Local Police officer, together with assistance from the off-duty nurse, emergency crews and medical staff, meant that resuscitation could begin before the patient was transferred to Lanzarote.
For both residents of La Graciosa and visitors to the island, the incident is a reminder that knowing how to respond in an emergency can make a crucial difference while professional help is on its way.
La Graciosa emergency response
Although La Graciosa is a popular destination for tourists looking for beaches, cycling, walking and a quieter side of the Canary Islands, it is also a small island community separated from Lanzarote by the sea.
Serious medical emergencies can therefore require coordination between La Graciosa emergency services, healthcare workers and Lanzarote’s hospital services, including helicopter evacuation when necessary.
The latest incident ended with the man stabilised and transferred to Lanzarote for continued medical care.
Our thoughts are with the man and his family, and recognition is due to everyone involved in the rapid response.
