Northern Territory Police have assisted in the rescue of an injured woman from the Simpson Desert yesterday.
Around midday, police were notified by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) of the activation of a personal emergency beacon on the Colson Track. JRCC advised that a 49-year-old woman had allegedly suffered non-life threatening injuries after a motorbike crash.
She was accompanied by two male riders, who were uninjured, and the trio were contactable via a personal GPS device. The riders were able to provide coordinates of their location.
Through coordination with the Medical Retrieval and Consultation Centre, and the Search and Rescue Section, a helicopter was dispatched to rescue the woman and transport her to Old Andado Station. She was subsequently met by the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service and conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital for medical treatment.
Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Karl von Minden commended the collaborative efforts of all emergency service personnel involved in the successful recovery of the woman. He also praised the riders for being equipped with emergency communication devices.
“The Simpson Desert is a beautiful part of our country, however it is vast and can be dangerous at times, especially for motorbike riders.
“I commended the trio for travelling with, and ultimately utilising, their emergency beacon and GPS device. I also acknowledge the wonderful work of all involved to successfully recover the injured woman.
“For those who wish to enjoy the remote landscapes of the Territory, we would always recommended travelling with an emergency medical kit, as well as emergency communication devices, for those unforeseeable circumstances.”
Police remind the public of the risks when participating in recreational activities in the desert, and urge people to prioritise their safety to avoid putting themselves and emergency rescue service personnel at risk.
