46-year-old hiker rescued by stretcher from Larapinta Trail

A lone 46-year-old woman who was hiking in the Red Centre has been rescued. See the pictures.

A 46-year-old female hiker has been rescued from the Larapinta Trail after suffering from an ankle injury.

A woman has been carried 3.5km by emergency services on a stretcher to safety after injuring her ankle while hiking on the Larapinta Trail.

The 46-year-old fell into difficulties on Wednesday afternoon around 3pm and activated her personal locator beacon (PLB) near Hugh Gorge.

When she was contacted through a messaging device, she confirmed that she had suffered an ankle injury and could not continue walking.

Speaking to this Masthead early on Thursday morning while the rescue was ongoing, NT Police Southern Watch Commander, Andrew Dunn, said the area in which she was located is quite “rough terrain” and as a result, the Search and Rescue Team was activated and a plan was made.

“At around 5.40pm last night a police member along with a St John paramedic was deployed by a helicopter to that area. They had to walk about 4.3km and they located that female at around 8pm,” he said.

A St John’s paramedic and NT police officer camped overnight to provide care to the injured hiker. Image: NT Police.

“She was stabilised however it is suspected that she may have suffered a broken ankle from a fall.”

Due to a helicopter not being able to be used to carry out the extraction, the officer and paramedic stayed with the woman overnight.

This morning, teams consisting of four Parks and Wildlife rangers, four police officers and two Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES) officers drove to Hugh Gorge Junction and walked the 3.5km to the woman’s location.

The 46-year-old female hiker was carried by stretcher by rescue teams for 3.5km. Image: NT Police.

The hiker was then carried back to Huge Gorge on a stretcher and transported to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment for her ankle.

After the rescue operation was successfully completed, Sergeant Matthew Hall stressed the importance of hikers in the area being prepared.

“This is a clear example of how beneficial it is to be adequately prepared for hiking expeditions in the Territory,” he said.

“Thanks to the hiker’s use of a PLB and communication device, we were able to quickly locate her and coordinate a safe and timely rescue.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this rescue and want to remind anyone who plans to explore the outdoors in the Territory to let people know you plans, buy a PLB or EPIRB and ensure you have enough food and water.”

Originally published as 46-year-old hiker rescued by stretcher from Larapinta Trail