Hiker runs for two hours to call NMRH
At approximately 16:30 hrs on 26 February, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter (NMRH) was dispatched to West Sabine Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand, in response to an emergency call reporting that a man had fallen and sustained head injuries.
At approximately 16:30 hrs on 26 February, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter (NMRH) was dispatched to West Sabine Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand, in response to an emergency call reporting that a man had fallen and sustained head injuries. On arrival at the hut, which is located some eight to 10 hours’ walk from the nearest road, the helicopter’s onboard intensive care paramedic found a 59-year-old male from Auckland who had suffered a head injury as a result of a fall while walking.
It emerged that the man was walking the tracks in the area with his family when the fall occurred. Another hiker staying at the hut ran two hours down the track to a location where he was able to get mobile phone signal to make a call for assistance.
The patient was assessed at the scene and then transported with the rest of his hiking party to Nelson Hospital for further medical treatment.