Atención de emergencia a migrantes en el Hierro: un análisis observacional descriptivo del desafío humanitario

Introduction. Migration crises represent a challenge to global health, especially in contexts such as El Hierro, Canary Islands, where the arrival of migrants has increased significantly. This study aims to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics, care needs, and health conditions of these populations, contributing to the design of more effective public policies and humanitarian strategies. Methodology. A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted during humanitarian interventions carried out between October 7 and 14, 2024. Data were obtained from the reports of the Emergency Immediate Response Team (ERIE) of the Spanish Red Cross. Sociodemographic, operational, and health variables were included and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. A total of 1,258 individuals were attended to, of whom 95% were men and 5% women. Minors accounted for 19% of the total, including 218 unaccompanied minors (17%). The majority came from Senegal (55.1%), Mali (24.9%), and Gambia (20%). A total of 76 cases of acute conditions were recorded, with the most frequent being wounds/injuries (26.32%) and “patera foot” (11.84%). Additionally, 6.56% of the individuals requested international protection. Boats with longer journeys (8-9 days) reported a higher incidence of medical care needs. Discussion. This study highlights the harsh conditions of the journeys and the critical needs of migrants. The findings underscore the need for adaptive interventions focused on unaccompanied minors and the dynamic allocation of resources.