On 22 March 2024, an early morning call changed everything for Summer’s family.
Her mum, Teale, was told to take her straight to Emerald Hospital.
“Not long after we arrived, we were told Summer had Type 1 diabetes and would need to be airlifted to Rockhampton for urgent treatment,” she said.
For her dad, Stan, the situation quickly became confronting
“We didn’t know what was going on at first. Then they told us she was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It was a big shock… it was pretty critical at that point,” he said
With Summer’s condition deteriorating, time mattered.
By 11am, the family was meeting the CapRescue helicopter, Rescue300, in Emerald.
Within minutes, they were in the air.
“That difference between a 60-minute flight and a three-hour drive… as a father, having that immediate response is huge,” Stan said. “It’s such a relief to know they’re there when you need them most, to get your child to hospital.”
Summer was flown to Rockhampton Hospital, where she remained for a week as her condition stabilised and her family began to understand life with Type 1 diabetes.
Over time, Summer has learnt to handle her condition.
“We’ve settled into a new routine,” Teale said. “She’s fit, healthy, back into gymnastics and managing it like a pro.”
In regional communities, moments like these often come without warning.
A normal day can quickly become something else entirely.
Having access to rapid aeromedical care means patients are met with action — connecting them to the care they need, when it matters most.
For Summer and her family, help arrived when it was needed, and the path forward could begin.
With continued community support, CapRescue can remain ready to respond — ensuring help is on its way when it’s needed most.