Lanzarote Hiker Dies After Suffering Cardiac Arrest on Femés Walking Trail
A 60-year-old woman has died following a medical emergency while walking on a trail in the Femés area of Yaiza, Lanzarote.
The incident happened on Tuesday, 8 September, with the island's emergency coordination centre receiving an alert at approximately 3:54pm reporting that a female hiker was experiencing health problems while out on a walking route.
Emergency services were quickly mobilised, including the Servicio de Urgencias Canario (SUC), Lanzarote's emergency and rescue teams, the Local Police, Guardia Civil and the Grupo de Emergencias y Salvamento (GES).
Hiker was already receiving CPR
Medical teams continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation, assisted by members of the Local Police and firefighters at the scene.
Because of the location of the incident, the GES helicopter was also deployed. Rescue personnel reached the woman and evacuated her by helicopter while treatment continued.
She was flown to a nearby location where a SUC medicalised ambulance was waiting. Despite the efforts of those involved, medical personnel subsequently confirmed that she had died.
The Incident happened during very hot weather in Lanzarote
The emergency occurred during a period of particularly high temperatures across the Canary Islands.
On Tuesday, Lanzarote was under a yellow weather warning for high temperatures, with temperatures of up to around 36°C forecast in parts of the island.
Actual temperatures recorded by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) were even higher at some locations. Lanzarote Airport recorded a maximum of 40°C at 4pm, while Arrecife reached 37.7°C.
Staying safe when hiking in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is hugely popular with walkers and hikers, with everything from relatively easy coastal walks to more demanding volcanic and mountain routes.
The landscape around Femés and Yaiza is particularly popular with people looking for spectacular views and more challenging walking routes.
But Lanzarote's combination of strong sunshine, limited shade, wind and sometimes rugged terrain can make a walking route considerably more demanding than it initially appears.
If you're planning a Lanzarote hiking route, especially during periods of hot weather, it's sensible to:
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
- Avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.
- Wear suitable footwear for uneven volcanic terrain.
- Use sun protection and a hat.
- Tell someone where you are going if walking alone.
- Take a fully charged mobile phone.
- Check the weather forecast before setting out.
- Don't underestimate apparently short or easy routes.
- Take regular breaks, particularly in hot conditions.
- Call 112 immediately if someone becomes seriously unwell.
For visitors unfamiliar with the island, remember that some Lanzarote walking trails can be remote, with difficult access for conventional vehicles. This is one reason specialist rescue resources such as the GES helicopter can be required.
A tragic reminder for walkers and visitors
This incident is unfortunately also a reminder that while hiking in Lanzarote is one of the best ways to experience the island's volcanic landscape, walkers should prepare and consider the conditions before setting out.
For tourists and residents alike, checking the forecast, carrying sufficient water and knowing how to contact Lanzarote emergency services can make an important difference if something goes wrong.
