Rescue

Unbelievable, another glorious morning. The kids woke up late, we read in bed enjoying the view. But then things turned to custard.

The patient on the boat in the bay (see yesterdays blip) was still very bad. He hadn't been able to move for 36 hours despite lots of drugs. His adult daughters said they had never seen him cry. He was in serious pain.

Anyway, the call was made that he needed hospital care. Unfortunately the 3 hour boat trip for him would have been hell as it was rough, so a rescue helicopter was sent. Which I have to say was COOL!

They landed on the beach and then sent the paramedic to the boat for assessment, they considered winching him off. But after lots of morphine, an hour, and multiple boats we managed to stretcher him off; which in itself was a mission. Onto a smaller boat, up onto the wharf, down the wharf, in to a car, then into the helicopter, and he wasn't a light lad ...

The kids loved the helicopter of course and the crew let them sit inside for a photo. They were here for an hour and as he landed on the beach he had to keep the machine running, rescue policy apparently.

The patient and his wife both flew direct to Auckland hospital where he got more drugs and is spending the night. How daughters came in for lunch and then we dropped them to the plane so they could head back to help their dad.

Adam of course was keen on time in the boat so he was Suzies crew for ferrying people to and from Fitzroy/the airfield. He's turned into a great boatman - loves driving and loves speed.

And then everyone was back at the bay, relaxing on another beautiful evening. We need a holiday!

I am joking for course, despite the dramas we?ve had a great time ;-)