Days Leading Up to Rescue

On 26 March 2022, I, along with two others, were flown by helicopter into the Waitotara Forest in the Matemateaonga Ranges; which are situated in Whanganui region in the North Island of New Zealand. The area is very remote and very rugged. We had planned to do five days of track maintenance work for the Department of Conservation. I made sure to carry safety equipment, like my satellite phone and personal locator beacon.

Furthermore, Saturday, 28 March, at 8.20am, we were traveling along the track down a steep slippery section when my feet went from under me, sending me sliding down and my foot impacted with a tree trunk causing a significant injury to my ankle. I had broken my ankle.

My first thought was that it was only a broken ankle, not a broken back or neck. I was thankful for that.  

Using the Personal Locator Beacon

We had a satellite communication device and an ACR personal locator beacon, plus miscellaneous first-aid gear. The area had no mobile phone or internet reception. We were able to notify key personnel of what had happened and alert emergency services.

The Taranaki Rescue helicopter arrived at 9.30am. We were in dense forest in very steep country, nowhere for a helicopter to land.

They managed to find a gap in the forest canopy where they could lower a paramedic down to attend to me. Next, my foot was strapped up somewhat and my backpack had been winched up, I was also winched up into the helicopter, and flown to the Taranaki Base Hospital, arriving at 10.15am.

I consider that this was a textbook rescue. All the emergency devices functioned flawlessly, and the rescue team carried out the procedures without a hitch. I am thankful to the rescue personnel, and the weather also cooperated.