At 9.00am on Wednesday 8 November, after they had reached Henry’s Peak on Mount Taranaki, Andy Sommerville and partner Sue began their descent down the southern side of the mountain.
Travelling down from Pouakai Hut towards North Egmont Visitor Centre at the base of the mountain, the last thing in Andy and Sue’s minds was an emergency event.
But all that changed with a single wooden step only 50m down.
The couple’s trek down the mountain came to an abrupt stop when Andy slipped on the step and tore the tendon between his quadricep muscle and kneecap.
The tear rendered Andy unable to walk, and with only Sue to lend a hand, the only option left was to phone 111.
Sue quickly dialled the emergency number and spoke with the police search and rescue despatcher. During the call, it was clear that the best option was to helicopter Andy out.
The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was rapidly despatched and flew towards the mountain.
Relieved at not having to endure being stretchered out, Andy awaited the helicopter, with Sue providing reassurance and comfort. Andy was safely transported off the mountain at 10.15am, just over an hour from the initial 111 call.
Andy said hearing the rotors signalled that his ordeal on the mountain was almost over.
“Whilst I was confident it would arrive, it was very reassuring to hear the helicopter approaching.”
A swift helicopter ride from the mountain to the Taranaki Base Hospital Emergency Department, being carefully looked after by the experienced TRHT crew followed, with Andy soon taken straight into surgery to repair the tear.
Andy said the crew’s professionalism had him feeling safe at all times during the ordeal.
“The crew – Mal, Tiffany and Mike – were all competent, and never did I feel unsafe or that they didn’t know what they were doing. I am very grateful to their aid.”
The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter relies on donations to take flights, such as Andy’s, to transport injured or critical patients for often live-saving treatment.
“Without the rescue helicopter having brought me down, I would have had to endure being stretchered out, and the time that would have taken would have increased the time before I could get surgery.”
Andy said the crew’s attentiveness even went so far as to call in and check how he was doing at the Taranaki Base Hospital ED, where he was also able to pass on his gratitude to Mal, Tiffany and Mike for their expert assistance.
Now back recovering at home with Sue, Andy won’t be back in the hills for a few months due to the recovery from the tendon tear, but still has his sights set on completing the walk.
“I’m confident I’ll be back up in Taranaki to complete the walk, this time with walking poles!”
