Kiwi rescue pilot Michael Adair found himself at the centre of a dramatic rescue on his first day on the job in Queensland's remote Gulf Country.
Adair, completing his final assessment with LifeFlight Queensland, was called to save a couple stranded in an area with crocodiles for three days after their 4WD was swept away.
"First sort of day on the job, first mission out the gate," Adair said, "It's a good one with a great outcome."
The couple, aged in their 50s, endured 40C heat, no food, and limited water, drinking only from the muddy river. Their ordeal was made worse by a giant crocodile that stalked them each night.
Unable to call for help due to a lack of phone reception, they scrawled "SOS" in the dirt, a distress signal that was spotted by Adair and his co-pilot, Mark Overton from their helicopter.
"They were pretty chirpy when they saw us," Adair recalled. "Most people are when they see a helicopter turn up. I just said, 'Hey, it's OK, you're going to be rescued'."
The couple's relief was evident, but they were dehydrated, malnourished, and suffering from heat exposure.
A paramedic was sent to check their condition and assist with the rescue.
Overton said Adair's extensive experience with New Zealand's Air Force and rescue operations helped him and clearly passed his test.
"Mike's an experienced Kiwi pilot. We just need to get him used to flying over Australia – a lot flatter, hotter, bigger areas, and fewer chilly bins."
"Lots of challenges over here," Adair quipped. "Big distances, fuel issues, high temperatures. Landing on the scene, I've got my eyes peeled for crocs and snakes – things you guys are pretty used to, but I'm not. I was a bit jumpy on the ground."
SHARE ME