TRENTO. The Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue was involved during the morning of today (16 November) in two different interventions, in the Levico Terme area, for as many paragliders that crashed, one during the flight and the other during the take-off phases.
And South Tyrolean driver born in 1974resident in Merano, was rescued after falling onto a tree in locality Maso Rosso, about 600 meters above sea level. The call to the Single Emergency Number 112 came around 10.30 from a person who witnessed the event. A team of seven operators from the Levico station of the Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue went to the site by land, lowering the man, unharmed, to the ground.
Shortly after, around 11.45am, another South Tyrolean driver born in 1970a resident of Avelengo, alerted the Single Emergency Number 112 after having fallen for a few meters due to a wrong takeofffollowing which man became crashed into a canal full of wateron the far right of the area, in Vetriolo (1,500 meters above sea level).
The Single Emergency Center requested the intervention of the helicopter, while the seven rescuers from the Levico station, already involved in previous operations, made themselves available. The medical team and the helicopter rescue technician were disembarked on a layby located a few meters from the man, who was taken on a stretcher and airlifted with possible multiple traumas to the Santa Chiara hospital in Trento.
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How can paragliders improve their safety measures before and during flights?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Rossi, Aviation Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Rossi, and thank you for joining us today. We’ve just received troubling reports from Trentino about two paragliding accidents. Could you provide some insight into how common such incidents are, and what typically leads to these types of accidents?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Paragliding, while generally safe, does come with its risks. Accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including weather conditions, equipment failure, or pilot error. In the cases reported in Levico Terme, for example, it seems one incident occurred during flight and the other during take-off, which suggests different sets of challenges.
Time.news Editor: That’s an important distinction. Could you elaborate on what specifically can go wrong during take-off and flight phases?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Certainly. During take-off, issues often arise from the wind direction and speed. An inexperienced pilot might misjudge these conditions, leading to a premature or lopsided launch. During flight, factors like turbulence, sudden weather changes, or even encountering thermal currents can cause a loss of control.
Time.news Editor: I see. In the report, it mentions a South Tyrolean driver who fell onto a tree after losing control. What are the typical rescue protocols in such scenarios?
Dr. Elena Rossi: In these situations, quick response is crucial. The Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue team likely assessed the safety of the environment first, securing the area before attempting a rescue. They would typically employ specialized equipment and personnel trained in both high-angle rescue techniques and medical intervention, especially given the individual was approximately 600 meters above sea level.
Time.news Editor: That sounds incredibly challenging. What can paragliders do to minimize risks while enjoying this sport?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Preparation is key. Paragliders should always conduct a thorough pre-flight checks of gear, stay informed about weather conditions, and, ideally, fly with experienced pilots. Training regularly and participating in safety workshops contributes immensely to increasing one’s understanding of the sport, enhancing both skill and safety.
Time.news Editor: With incidents like this, do you think there’s a need for stricter regulations in paragliding?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Stricter regulations can certainly enhance safety, particularly in high-traffic areas or during particular seasons. However, consulting with those in the paragliding community would be essential to find a balance between regulation and allowing enthusiasts the freedom to enjoy their sport. Education and awareness initiatives could also complement any regulatory efforts.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi. Your insights shed light on the complexities of paragliding safety and the ongoing efforts to protect individuals engaged in this thrilling sport.
Dr. Elena Rossi: My pleasure! It’s vital to keep raising awareness about safety in outdoor sports like paragliding. Thank you for having me.