CapRescue could be tasked to any number of missions on any given day, from a rescue in the bush to a highway crash or an emergency off the coast.
On Monday, March 11 it was the latter.
CapRescue was tasked to assist a woman in her 70s after she suffered a critical medical condition while aboard a Princess Cruises cruise ship off the Central Queensland coast.
With the helicopter unable to land on the vessel, the Rescue Crew Officer and Paramedic were winched down to the Crown Princess. They quickly assessed the patient and prepared her for retrieval via stretcher. This operation marked the first of its kind performed by Rescue Crew Officer Alysa Atkinson.
Check and Training Air Crewman Cam Fewtrell said the intensive training funded by High Altitude partner Glencore in the lead-up to this task played a crucial role in Alysa’s ability to safely perform the rescue.
“The preparation provided by our training partners ensures our crew are ready to respond in high-pressure situations. Alysa’s performance yesterday is a great example of how corporate support directly contributes to patient safety and successful outcomes,” Cam said.
Glencore Coal Social Performance Manager, Craig Strudwick, said the company was proud to support Alysa’s intensive training.
“Ongoing training and operational preparedness are central to ensuring CapRescue can respond safely, no matter the location or circumstances.”
Once safely lifted to Rescue300, the medical crew stabilised the patient and provided ongoing care before airlifting her to Rockhampton Hospital for further treatment.
Among the other missions for CapRescue in March were being tasked to a rural property near Clermont after an 8-year-old boy fell from a motorbike and another incident saw the helicopter called out to Mt Larcom where a 17-year-old girl had to be winched from a walking trail after suffering a suspected snake bite.
There were also inter-facility transfers including a man in his 50s who was flown from Thangool to Rockhampton Hospital for further treatment.
CapRescue thanks Glencore for their ongoing support of critical training initiatives which ensure Rescue300 remain ready to respond to those in our region who need us on their worst days, and the crew wishes the patient all the best in her recovery.
