Key Takeaways
- An 80-year-old man collapsed on a track in the Kauaeranga Valley, near Thames, due to dehydration and lack of proper clothing.
- A family of three trampers staying at a nearby hut helped rescue the man by forming a human heat circle to warm him up.
- The rescue was successful, and the man was extracted safely at first light.
- Police emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies when venturing into the bush, including wearing proper clothing, carrying food and water, and having a means of communication or emergency locator beacon.
Introduction to the Incident
A dramatic rescue operation took place in the Kauaeranga Valley, near Thames, after an 80-year-old man collapsed on a track due to dehydration and lack of proper clothing. The man, who was wearing only shorts and a singlet, had become lost on the walk and was forced to call his family for help using his mobile phone. Fortunately, the phone signal allowed emergency services to pinpoint his location, and a rescue operation was quickly put in place.
The Rescue Efforts
Inspector Mike Henwood stated that the man was "lucky to have his mobile phone," which enabled emergency services to locate him. However, the rescue operation was not without its challenges. A helicopter was dispatched to the scene, but worsening weather conditions made it impossible for the helicopter to land. A second helicopter was also sent in, but it too was forced to turn back due to the poor weather. It was then that police and Department of Conservation (DOC) inquiries discovered that a nearby tramping party, a mother and her two teenagers, were staying at Crosbies Hut, just 100 meters away from the stranded man.
The Unlikely Rescuers
The family of three trampers, who were staying at Crosbies Hut, were contacted by police and asked to help find the lost man. The mother and her teenagers quickly sprang into action, leaving the hut and searching for the elderly man. They soon found him and formed a human heat circle to warm him up, before returning to the hut to wait for a rescue team. This selfless act of kindness and quick thinking undoubtedly helped to save the man’s life, and Inspector Henwood praised the family for their actions, saying that it was a "very close" call.
The Successful Rescue
At first light, police search and rescue teams were able to reach the area safely and extract the man. The rescue was successful, and the man was grateful to see the rescuers. However, Inspector Henwood emphasized that it was an uncomfortably close call, and things could have been very different if it weren’t for the family staying at the hut nearby. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies when venturing into the bush, even on short walks. Police reminded those heading into the bush to wear appropriate clothing, take food and water, and have a means of communication or emergency locator beacon.
Preventing Similar Incidents
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies when venturing into the bush. Inspector Henwood stated that "if you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on tramping trails, you need to be prepared for any eventuality." This includes wearing appropriate clothing, taking food and water, and having a means of communication or emergency locator beacon. Emergency locator beacons are cheap to hire and can be lifesavers, especially when there is no cell phone reception. By taking these simple precautions, individuals can minimize the risk of getting into trouble and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the bush.
