Chopper rescues injured snowboarder near Maydena
UPDATED: Police have issued a frank warning after an injured snowboarder was rescued by helicopter in extreme weather. SEE THE EPIC RESCUE PICTURES >>
Tasmania
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THE helicopter rescue of an injured snowboarder in remote, snow-covered territory in Tasmania’s south has highlighted the dangers of adventuring in extreme weather.
The Mercury was at the scene at The Needles in the South West National Park, as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter landed and took the man to safety about 1.15pm on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old was immediately flown from the scene, about 20km west of Maydena, and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital after sustaining shoulder and chest injuries.
The retrieval took about three minutes.
Police had reported the man had sustained non life-threatening injuries while snowboarding in the area.
Ambulance Tasmania was alerted to the incident about 11.55am and the man was retrieved just over an hour later.
In mid June this year, a 19-year old Hobart man was killed on an adjacent peak after falling 50m while hiking in Sentinel Range.
Tasmania Police said the incident was a reminder for people to prepare when venturing out into the Tasmanian wilderness.
“Anyone heading out into the Tasmanian wilderness at this time of year needs to make sure they’re well prepared with adequate food, clothing, and safety equipment,’’ police said.
“People should always carry a mobile phone with full battery, and a personal locator or emergency beacon so police can track your coordinates if something does go wrong.”
Originally published as Chopper rescues injured snowboarder near Maydena