Mitchell Bouwens was going about his usual job of mustering cattle, when a horse he was breaking decided it was done for the day.
Thrown to the ground, Mitch was unable to move, a scary situation when you are 20 kilometres north of Dingo and without phone signal.
“The boss rode up to the road and called the ambos and the other worker stayed with me and made sure I was ok,” said Mitch.
First on site were the Queensland Ambulance Service Paramedics who treated Mitch for suspected broken ribs.
Upon arrival of RACQ CapRescue the onboard Critical Care Paramedic and Flight Doctor, stabilised Mitch for transport by air to Rockhampton Hospital.
Mitch complimented the emergency crew saying they were very friendly and attentive and helped keep him comfortable.
“If it wasn’t for them (RACQ CapRescue), I feel the journey would have been much more distressing and painful traveling by road.”
Mitch is now recovering at home, however it has taken a toll on him.
“It’s been a struggle, the injury has caused me to be unable to work and do the things I enjoy, it was also hard for my family living another state away, they have now flown up to be with me and help where they can,” he said.
Mitch took the time whilst in hospital to message thanks to the crew.
“Thanks for your help today guys still laying in hospital in rocky have 3 broken ribs and getting reassessment in the morning to decide if they need to do surgery to put them back where they belong”
He also encourages everyone to donate to the service, that really made a difference in his time of need.
Just as the crew have helped in other similar situations with attendance at the scene of 34 rural tasks from July 2021 – June 2022.
Often with patients suffering serious injuries and hours from sufficient medical treatment, the Rescue300 crew provide a faster lifesaving link to medical care.
Helicopter crewman Todd Robinson said that communications from remote locations to emergency services is also vital.
“If you’re in a paddock without any form of communication back to emergency services, you’re stuck.
Devices have been designed to send a GPS signal of the exact location, as well as modes such as ‘OK’ and ‘Need help’, and ‘SOS’ and these save lives,” said Todd.
Thanks to the efficiency of RACQ CapRescue and accessibility of patients in remote areas, our rural community can rely on the service when things go wrong, because a big region needs a fast response.