Cross-Border Mountain Rescue Victims in the Central Pyrenees: Incidence, Hospital Pathways, and Patient Experience
Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma · 2026-07-08 · Observational study
Abstract
Introduction: The central Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and attract many outdoor enthusiasts. Cross-border mountain rescues are frequent, yet their medical and logistical consequences remain poorly described. We aimed to determine the number of cross-border rescue victims and assess their hospital pathways, satisfaction, and practical difficulties during care abroad. Methods: We conducted a retrospective two-center study (RESCAPYR study) in 2021, including all consecutive cross-border mountain rescue patients from 2018 to 2019 (N = 150). Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted between 2022 and 2023 with patients who were referred to hospitals following the rescue operation to assess satisfaction and self-reported difficulties. Data were obtained from rescue and hospital records. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, continuous variables using the Mann–Whitney U test, and paired satisfaction scores using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: In France, 54 Spanish nationals were rescued over two years (5.1–5.6% of annual rescues). In Spain, 96 French nationals were rescued in the same period (12.0–17.2%). Approximately two-thirds required hospitalization in the neighboring country. Median hospital stay was 2 days [1–4] for Spanish patients and 1 day [1–2] for French patients. Satisfaction significantly decreased between the prehospital and hospital phases (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01), in both groups. Patients from both countries reported similar difficulties, mainly language barriers, financial concerns, and repatriation challenges. Conclusion: Cross-border mountain rescues frequently result in hospitalization outside patients’ national healthcare systems and expose them to administrative and communication barriers. Improved cross-border coordination and structured emergency transfer agreements are needed in border regions.
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Tags
Communication & handover · Patient experience · Rural & remote
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