Jill is immensely grateful for the helicopter rescue supporters helped make possible earlier this year.
There aren’t enough words to thank you properly. You see, it’s only because of our supporters that we can fly to the rescue of people like Jill… who was driving an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) not too long ago, on a rugged farm track in Ahu Ahu Valley.
Out of the blue, her front wheels caught the lip of a hidden water channel.
“It made the ATV twist around and drop over a bank to the next track, about 5 metres below,” Jill says.
Jill dropped with it, and rolled for another 5 meters - breaking two of her ribs, and lacerating her leg and wrist.
When Jill regained consciousness, she was in a world of pain. There was no way she was climbing out of that steep valley on her own.
Thankfully, Jill’s friends had seen her go over the edge of the track – and immediately dialed 111.
At this critical moment, the kindness of rescue helicopter supporters touched Jill’s life when the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to her side.
As soon as Jill heard the sound of the helicopter approaching, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
"Just hearing the helicopter helped me stay conscious."
“What can I say, other than ‘amazing’?” Jill says. “I’ll never forget the great service my rescuers gave me.”
While Pilot Ross hovered in the air above, Critical Care Flight Paramedic (CCFP) Schalk winched down to Jill’s side, and prepared her for a flight to hospital.
And as soon as he was satisfied, Jill was winched up into the helicopter and flown straight to Whanganui Hospital – in a fraction of the time it would’ve taken by road.
Today, Jill still experiences a bit of pain in her wrist and back - but she’s home. She’s safe. And she’s alive.
In no small part, thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Thank you for helping us to fly to the rescue of anyone who needs us.
Donate today: https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/grassroots-trust-rescue-helicopter/donate