Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services along with the Adelaide River Clinic worked together to rescue a man near Robin Falls last night.
The 79-year-old man was camping around the falls, when he went for a walk on Sunday and became disorientated. The man was unable to return to his campsite but instead found higher ground for the night and was able to contact police yesterday at around 12:30pm.
The man provided detailed locational co-ordinates that placed him 2.2km from Robin Falls.
A helicopter was deployed and by 6:30pm the man was sighted from air. Due to diminishing light, a police officer and clinician were dropped at the location to assess the man’s condition.
At 11:30pm, a chartered helicopter deployed to pick up the party. The man was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for observation.
Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon said, “This was a fantastic result that highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and basic survival skills.
“The victim has made the smart decision to seek high ground for phone reception, let police know his location, and to stay put until help could arrive. The remote area nurse from the Adelaide River Clinic provided critical treatment in the field.
“I would like to thank the members stationed at Adelaide River for their swift response to this incident.
“Circumstances can change quickly when hiking in the Territory and it is vital that you plan ahead, take adequate food and water and always carry a fully charged phone.”
