The Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies of the Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz Cabello, chaired the coordination meeting where the novelties of the 42nd edition of this operation were detailed. Under the slogan ‘Plan Romero 2026: a safer path, always with you’, the initiative aims to guarantee the safety of pilgrims.
The Andalusian Emergency Agency leads this operation, framed within the Andalusian Civil Protection Territorial Emergency Plan. Coordination has been carried out with the Government delegates of the Junta de Andalucía in Cádiz, Seville, and Huelva, as well as with officials from the EMA, the Attached Unit, the 061 emergency service, and the Doñana National Park. An integrated operational coordination center (Cecopi) is already fully operational for the plan's activation.
The healthcare component will involve over 200 professionals, including doctors, nurses, 061 technicians, and specialists in various fields. A helicopter and 31 vehicles will be available, including nine Mobile ICUs, six all-terrain transport and evacuation units, and four basic life support ambulances. A permanent health center in the village will offer seven consultation rooms, a mobile radiology unit, and an observation and resuscitation room with capacity for ten people. Additionally, thirteen peripheral assistance points will be activated along the routes of the brotherhoods in Huelva and Cádiz.
Minister Sanz Cabello highlighted that the Andalusian 061 Emergency Health Center will have blood products to improve care for patients with severe trauma. The National Police Attached Unit will contribute over 70 officers to protect the environment, monitor consumption, assist people, ensure the care of minors, guarantee animal protection, and collaborate with various state security forces. EMA 112 and GREA personnel will coordinate and monitor all actions from the Command Posts and the Cecopi.
Intense rainfall has affected the condition of the paths, leading to conditioning work and adjustments in specific sections, such as the diversion of the Camino de los Llanos. The brotherhood of La Palma del Condado will depart earlier to optimize traffic flow. The GREA is updating cartography and accessibility studies, and awaiting permission from the Doñana Natural Area for drone flights and the creation of an updated orthophoto of the village.
The Plan Romero 2026 will take place during a period of medium forest fire risk. EMA Infoca will maintain a deployment similar to last year, with a concentration of resources in the province of Huelva, especially around Doñana. Over 30 ground units and up to seven daily aerial assets will be available. Technology will be a key pillar, with drones equipped with thermal cameras, surveillance cameras, GPS systems, and defibrillators for all brotherhoods. For the third consecutive year, smart WiFi will be used to control capacities and people flows, and the Es-Alert system will be maintained for mass mobile messaging.
