A lifesaving mission in the South Pacific

LifeFlight’s capabilities managing complex repatriations were tested when the aeromedical organisation undertook a challenging and lifesaving mission to Noumea, New Caledonia, on 24 May.

Amid the civil unrest on the archipelago, a patient was diagnosed with a critical aortic dissection and required immediate transport to a facility in Sydney for advanced medical care, as local resources were unavailable to operate.

The challenge

The operation faced significant logistical hurdles due to the closure of Noumea Airport caused by ongoing civil unrest. The revolt also led to damage and blockades on the roads, preventing standard vehicular access between the hospital and the airport. This scenario necessitated collaboration with the French armed forces and local health and aviation authorities to facilitate patient transport under challenging circumstances.

Military assistance and coordination

In a significant display of coordination and international cooperation, the French armed forces deployed a Super Puma helicopter to transfer the patient from the hospital to the airport. This step was critical, as the road conditions were deemed unsafe for civilian vehicles due to both damage and the risk of violence.

LifeFlight’s operations team worked closely with the French authorities and military personnel to secure clearances and ensure the safe movement of the patient. This mission marked the LifeFlight transferred a patient from Noumea, New Caledonia, to Australia for urgent surgery first use of the airport by a civilian aircraft during its closure, highlighting the exceptional efforts made to save the patient’s life. The airport remained closed for many days after the transfer.

Prior planning and insurance

“Prior planning is always important, and it’s in situations like this that the not-so-glamorous side of the business pays off. Having appropriate insurance coverage for the aircraft and crews to enter a country under civil unrest without needing prior approval from an insurance provider saves valuable time,” stated Tyson Smith, General Manager of Commercial Partnerships at LifeFlight. “This proactive approach ensures that LifeFlight can respond swiftly in emergencies, even in high-risk situations.”

Fuel management and aircraft capability

LifeFlight operates a fleet of four medically configured Challenger 604 aircraft, allowing the team to tanker fuel from their home base in Brisbane. “Being self-sufficient in these situations is something we are always conscious of when planning missions,” said Smith. “The capability of the Challenger 604 platform enabled the team to complete the journey from Brisbane to Noumea and then to Sydney without refuelling in New Caledonia.”

This approach preserved local fuel supplies for military and emergency operations, demonstrating LifeFlight’s commitment to minimising its impact on local resources during crises.

Clinical care and telemedicine

LifeFlight’s medical team, specially trained in aeromedical care, maintained constant communication with the treating hospital’s doctors via a secure digital messaging platform. This platform was essential for securely sharing data and ensuring stable communications, especially as the mobile network was intermittent throughout the mission. The updates were crucial for coordinating the patient’s care and preparing the receiving team in Sydney for the patient’s arrival. Upon landing, the patient was taken directly into surgery, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the importance of real-time medical updates provided during the flight.

Equipment and crew training

The team’s ability to operate confidently in remote and isolated locations is supported by their extensive training and field-tested equipment, which is specifically designed for challenging environments. The medical staff’s experience on both helicopters and fixed-wing ambulances enhances their understanding of patient movement conditions and operational environments, ensuring optimal care during transport.

Outcome and reflections

The successful transport and treatment of the patient underscores the critical role that LifeFlight plays in providing emergency medical services across the region. This mission exemplifies the resilience and capability of LifeFlight’s operations and medical teams, who ensured the patient received the necessary care in Sydney.

The mission took under 24 hours to coordinate and arrange. The tarmac transfer, though not the preferred method for patient handovers, was executed with precision and speed, demonstrating the high level of coordination required to facilitate a quick and efficient transfer under challenging conditions.

LifeFlight continues to work closely with local authorities in neighbouring island nations to guarantee reliable and swift medical assistance, regardless of the challenges faced. This case study serves as a testament to the importance of preparation, coordination, and international cooperation in emergency medical transport.