Chopper crew rescues female hiker
THE Westpac Rescue helicopter winched a 20-year-old Gold Coast woman to safety this weekend after the hiker hurt her ankle while trying to descend from the top of Mt Warning.
After locating the injured woman, the helicopter crew lowered a doctor to the mountain location where the physician attended to the woman's injuries before the air crew lifted the patient and transported her to hospital.
Murwillumbah ambulance staff and members of the Tweed District Rescue Squad (VRA) were forced to walk from the car park at the start of a trail, leading up the mountain to the spot were the injured woman and her friends were located.
A VRA spokesman said the woman and her friends were located near 'number 2 Heli Point', one of four helicopter access locations, half way up the mountain.
Rescue squad members and ambulance staff needed to walk for about one hour before reaching the injured woman who suffered a rolled ankle.
The initial call out mentioned a broken ankle and although the woman's injuries turned out to be less serious, she was transported by helicopter to Tweed Heads Hospital where she received treatment.
The NSW Parks and Wildlife Service advises hikers to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, shirt with collar and sleeves, sunscreen and sturdy, comfortable shoes when attempting to climb Mt Warning.
For more information visit the service's website at www.nnsw.com.au.
