April 21, 2024. The Civil Guard carried out the first aerial rescue at night, with night vision goggles (GVN), of a person who had suffered an ice impact on his head and was in the shelter Eloa (Ávila).
The rescue occurred when the Air Service of the Civil Guard received notification from the Operational Service Center (COS) of the Ávila to activate the helicopter to carry out a rescue in the area of the Sierra de Gredos (Ávila), where they warned that a person was injured.
Due to the low luminosity in the area due to the arrival of the sunset, the rescue staff chose to go out equipped with night vision goggles in case their employment was necessary.
Likewise, to carry out the rescue, the Air Service agents proceeded to pick up the Rescue and Mountain Intervention Group (GREIM) of the Civil Guard of Hoyos del Espino (Ávila). It should be noted that due to the low luminosity already existing at that time the crew established to carry out this rescue with GVN.
During the rescue of the wounded, the helicopter crew had to make use of the search focus to illuminate the area and later use the night vision goggles. It should be noted that this is the first rescue carried out by the Civil Guard in Spain with night vision goggles.
Night vision glasses
These glasses are mounted on the flight helmet so that, if they are used, their activation is immediate. These glasses offer a number of improvements such as:
- Location of victims: Night vision goggles can also help rescue teams locate victims more easily, as they can detect body heat or any other source of infrared radiation in the dark.
- Improve the visibility: They amplify the available light, allowing pilots and rescue teams to see more clearly in low-light conditions or even in complete darkness. This is especially useful during night rescue operations or in poorly lit areas.
- Security: Improving visibility with night vision goggles helps reduce the risk of accidents during rescue operations. Pilots can identify obstacles, difficult terrain and other potential hazards more easily, allowing them to make safer decisions.
- Precision in navigation: They facilitate accurate navigation, allowing pilots to identify visual references and landing points even in low visibility conditions. This is crucial during rescue operations on unknown lands or in remote areas.
Trainings with other European police forces
Recently the Civil Guard has received training from the French National Gendarmerie in the French Alps, where the Mountain Flight Center is located. This has allowed the Civil Guard Air Service to acquire the knowledge of flight and rescue in night conditions through the use of night vision goggles.
Also, thanks to the new H-135 helicopters that have the Civil Guard and the knowledge acquired during the training in the use of night vision glasses, the rescue has been able to be carried out.
For more information, please contact the Civil Guard Press Office at 639894661.