Overview
- Firefighters from Schierke were dispatched around 1 a.m. to the Brocken summit to reach a severely hypothermic man during Storm Elli.
- Fresh, deep snow left the route uncleared, so responders switched to two motor sleds provided by the Brockenwirt as the Bergwacht joined with additional sleds.
- The patient was examined on the summit, securely packaged for transport, taken down to Schierke, and handed to an ambulance for transfer to a hospital.
- Rescuers reported harsh winter conditions on the mountain, with local coverage noting subzero temperatures that posed acute risks to anyone exposed.
- The operation marked the fire brigade’s first callout of the year, and officials cautioned against Brocken tours in winter without proper equipment and experience.