Paramedics Take To The Sky's To Rescue Sick Sailor.

Call was received by ER24 for an emergency medivac of a freight liner crew member who had become very ill slipping in and out of consciousness, off the eastern seaboard approximately 60 nautical miles off the the Indian Ocean.

Two paramedics from ER24 Durban were dispatched and had to make there way down to Durban harbour to be air lifted by the Portnet Helicopter. They were to be flown out to the ship which was approximately a half hour flight out and another fourty five minutes flight back to Life Entabeni Hospital.

Upon arrival on the vessel, the ER24 paramedics were met by the Fllipino crew on the vessels helipad. In severly broken English they were briefed that the sailor was having severe difficulty in breathing, was very weak and had a red rash throughout his body. The crews had to carrying the distressed sailor to the helipad because he was so weak.

Upon assessment in the Port Helicopter, medical intervention began almost immediately. The patient was provided with supplemental oxygen, received fluids through IV therapy and was treated using Advanced Life Support intervention.

After the 45 minute flight to Life Entabent Hospital in Durban, the crew and the patient were met by ER24 ground crew and a full medical team from to casualty unit. Treatment was taken over by the hospital team and the patient is due to make a full recovery.