A 64-year-old hiker has today been rescued from near Ellery Creek after Northern Territory police received notification from a satellite distress alerting device last night.
Police say they received a distress message from near Ellery Creek at around 7.15 on Sunday.
The 64-year-old man had suffered a medical incident while hiking in a group of experienced bushwalkers about 12km north of Ellery Big Hole.
The group had established camp and requested urgent medical assistance and rescue of the man.
“The Search and Rescue Section (SRS) was deployed and established a recovery plan. The group was able to stay in contact with emergency service personnel via satellite messaging throughout the evening,” NT Police said.
The recovery team, consisting of NTPF, St John Ambulance, and Parks and Wildlife Rangers accessed the location via 4WD and a 2km hike, and reached the victim around 2am today.
He was extracted via stretcher and was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition.
SRS Sergeant Karl von Minden said, “Being able to communicate with the group throughout the rescue operation was crucial to the successful recovery, and I commend them for being adequately prepared for their hike.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank our police members, St John Ambulance personnel, and the rangers involved for their professionalism in executing a safe rescue in very cold conditions overnight.
“The positive outcome of this rescue is testament to all parties, and a timely reminder to anyone thinking of exploring the Territory to ensure you are travelling with enough food and water, and are equipped with a PLB, EPIRB, or satellite communication device for those unforeseeable circumstance.”
