Girona's Hunters Now Carry Life-Saving Defibrillators on Driven Hunts

Hunting parties in Girona now carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during driven hunts. The move aims to cut risks linked to cardiac arrest, a leading cause of sudden death. These devices are designed for easy use by untrained individuals and provide clear voice guidance in emergencies. Driven hunts involve intense physical effort and stress, which can strain the heart. Recognising this danger, organisers in Girona have started equipping hunts with AEDs. The devices automatically check heart rhythms and deliver shocks if needed.

Each AED is geolocated, allowing emergency services to find and reach them quickly. Their positions also appear on the Infocaça app, which tracks hunts in real time. This helps not only hunters but also hikers, cyclists, and others in natural areas. Time is critical in cardiac emergencies. Survival rates drop by around 10% for every minute without CPR and defibrillation. By placing AEDs in remote hunting zones, the initiative seeks to speed up life-saving responses. One documented donation came from Fundación España Salud, which provided two defibrillators to police and Civil Guard units in La Jonquera in January 2019. The broader goal is to boost safety for everyone using rural spaces. Hunters, walkers, and outdoor workers can now locate the nearest AED through the app. This system reduces delays in treatment and supports faster emergency care.

The scheme in Girona places defibrillators where they can save lives during high-risk activities. Hunters and visitors to natural areas now have better access to emergency equipment. With geolocation and real-time tracking, the initiative helps cut response times in critical situations.