The Land Rover LifeFlight Special Mission helicopter crew has rescued a stranded driver, after his car became bogged on a flooded road, in western New South Wales.
The helicopter was tasked by New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) to the Mossgiel area early this morning. (Sun 23rd Oct)
It’s believed the man had been travelling from Victoria to North West Queensland, when he followed a GPS diversion from the main highway and became bogged on a partially flooded dirt road and couldn’t drive any further.
The helicopter crew carefully monitored weather conditions throughout the night and flew to the scene as soon as it was safe to do so, after storms and fog had cleared.
The LifeFlight Paramedic assessed the man and determined he did not require medical treatment.
The driver was then flown to Hillston airfield, to be met by NSW SES personnel.
The Land Rover LifeFlight Special Mission helicopter is usually based in Queensland, but is currently operating out of Deniliquin in the NSW Riverina region, after LifeFlight was tasked by NSW SES, to support their response to the current flood situation.
Anticipating the requirement, NSW SES strategically prepositioned the LifeFlight chopper in the region on Tuesday 18th October ready for quick response to people in the community needing aerial support.
NSW SES State Duty Commander Nicole Hogan said “this rescue highlights the need for people to check the road conditions along the entire length of their journey before they set out. It’s a timely reminder for anyone travelling on unfamiliar roads throughout all of inland NSW. If it’s flooded, forget it”.
The AW139 helicopter is configured for emergency response duties and is capable of day and night operations, including Search and Rescue, aeromedical response and movement of personnel and freight.
The aircraft is part of LifeFlight Australia’s commercial operation, which supports the work of the community helicopter fleet, through our profit-for-purpose model.
In the 2021-22 Financial Year, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue’s community helicopters, Air Ambulance jets, Critical Care Doctors, Flight Nurses and Flight Paramedics came to the aid of 6,825 people.
