Belgian Roundup: Mountain Rescue, Spineless Hedgehog, Bike

From the peaks of the Italian Dolomites to a wildlife rescue center in Limburg and a hospital in West Flanders, three remarkable human-interest stories from Belgium this weekend highlight the resilience of people and animals alike — along with the kindness of strangers and the dedication of first responders.

Hiker Rescued After Panic Attack at High Altitude

A 21-year-old Belgian hiker had to be evacuated by helicopter in the Italian Dolomites after suffering a severe panic attack that left him unable to move forward or backward. The incident occurred at an altitude above 3,000 meters, where reduced oxygen levels can trigger hyperventilation attacks more easily, according to HLN.

The hiker experienced a “freeze” response — instead of the classic fight-or-flight reaction, he became completely paralyzed. Dr. Dirk Devroey, a general practitioner, explained that above 3,000 meters, the thin air with reduced oxygen significantly increases the risk of panic attacks. Hyperventilation causes rapid CO2 loss and decreased calcium levels in the blood, leading to muscle cramps and tingling around the mouth, hands, and legs.

Even after the panic subsides, Dr. Devroey warned, muscle strength is drastically reduced, making it dangerous for the affected person to descend alone. Accompaniment to a base camp or hotel is absolutely necessary.

First Aid Guidance

For someone who freezes from fear, experts recommend calmly talking to the person and establishing reassuring contact. For hyperventilation, slowing down the breathing rhythm is key — having the person count between inhalations and exhalations. If that proves insufficient, the classic method of breathing into a plastic or paper bag can help re-inhale CO2, reducing cramps and tingling.

The Dolomites are a popular hiking destination for Belgians, and similar incidents have occurred previously, including a fatal accident involving a 42-year-old Belgian hiker in July 2024.

Hedgehog Without Spines Rescued in Oudsbergen

In lighter news, the Natuurhulpcentrum (Nature Help Center) in Oudsbergen, Limburg, has taken in a hedgehog that lost nearly all its spines due to a severe fungal infection — a condition staff say they have never seen before.

“This is truly a unique guest for us. We’ve never seen this before,” Frederik Thoelen of the Natuurhulpcentrum told VRT NWS. “We do receive hedgehogs with fungal infections, but never this severe. It’s quite a strange sight, a hedgehog without spines.”

The hedgehog arrived at the center severely weakened and is now receiving intensive care, including medication to control the infection and special baths twice daily to restore skin health. The animal is housed in a small enclosure in the Intensive Care unit.

Encouragingly, the first spines are beginning to regrow. “It’s a bit like our hair, only they are stiff, thick hairs,” Thoelen explained. “When they fall out, they grow back. A healthy hedgehog loses many spines every day.”

The Natuurhulpcentrum, one of the largest wildlife rescue centers in Europe, receives approximately 2,000 hedgehogs annually. By mid-July 2026, 1,200 hedgehogs had already been brought in. The species faces multiple threats, including heat waves that make it difficult to find invertebrate prey, and diseases such as infected wounds where flies lay eggs.

Mieke’s Stolen Bike and Belongings Recovered After ER Ordeal

A 62-year-old woman from Ieper (Ypres) has had her stolen bicycle and belongings recovered by police after they were taken while she was being treated in the emergency room following a serious accident.

Mieke Carrein was on the Grote Markt in Ieper when she attempted to mount her bicycle and tripped over a cable laid for market stallholders. The front wheel slipped, and the brake lever of her bicycle penetrated her right arm — nearly going through to the other side. “It was a stupid accident at 2 km per hour,” she told VRT NWS.

Bystanders called an ambulance and Mieke’s husband. A hospitality business owner brought pillows to support her. The fire department had to cut the brake lever from the handlebar to free her before she was taken to Jan Yperman Hospital.

While Mieke was in the ER, someone stole her husband’s electric bicycle from outside the emergency department entrance. The bicycle bags contained Mieke’s handbag, mobile phone, glasses, and even groceries from the Saturday market. The bicycle had not been locked due to the rush and emotion of the moment.

Police reviewed security camera footage and identified a suspect. During a house search, they recovered the stolen bicycle and most belongings. “We are very grateful to the officers for acting quickly,” Mieke said after the recovery. “Now that the stolen items are back, I can focus entirely on my recovery.”

All items were still in the bicycle bags, including the groceries — though they had spoiled. Some cash was missing from the wallet, but bank cards were recovered. Mieke is now recovering at home with antibiotics and pain medication.

A Weekend of Resilience

These three stories, while very different in nature, share a common thread: the importance of community support, professional expertise, and the resilience of the human (and animal) spirit. Whether it is the quick thinking of mountain rescue teams, the dedicated care of wildlife rescuers, or the efficient work of local police, each story demonstrates how timely intervention can turn a crisis into a positive outcome.

For Belgian hikers heading to the mountains this summer, the key takeaway is clear: know the risks of high altitude, recognize the signs of panic and hyperventilation, and never hesitate to seek help.