A perfect flight turned tragic

Paragliding represents the ultimate sense of freedom, and for an experienced German paraglider, Croatia’s dramatic coastline promised exactly that. He had travelled with his wife and two young children to enjoy a few days of adventure, combining his passion for flying with a family holiday along the stunning Adriatic Sea.

He felt confident that every precaution had been taken, and that nothing could disrupt their plans. But on one sunny afternoon, everything changed in a matter of seconds.

A disastrous crosswind

While manoeuvring along a steep cliffside, a sudden and powerful crosswind caught his glider, slamming him violently against the jagged rocks, before sending him spiralling out of control. Rendered unconscious by the impact, he plummeted into the cold, dark waters of a nearby lake.

Two nearby kite surfers witnessed the accident unfold, reaching him just in time to drag his motionless body to shore. Recognising the severity of his injuries, they immediately began performing CPR until local rescue services arrived. Paramedics stabilised him as best they could, before rushing him by ambulance to the nearest trauma hospital.

Extensive injuries

There, diagnostic imaging revealed a complex pelvic fracture, multiple fractures of both the tibia and fibula, several broken ribs, a severe traumatic brain injury, and significant internal bleeding requiring urgent surgical intervention. The trauma team acted to control the haemorrhage and stabilise his condition.

The patient was placed in a medicallyinduced coma, and connected to a ventilator to protect his brain and support his breathing. He underwent pelvic reconstruction and fixation of his lower limb fractures. Despite the team’s efforts, his condition remained critical, and he was admitted to the local intensive care unit (ICU) for continuous monitoring and advanced life support.

Malteser AeroMedical enters the picture

It was at this point that Malteser AeroMedical was contacted. The local hospital requested assistance and insurance coverage for his treatment, and within minutes, the medical evaluation process was underway.

Malteser’s medical case management team began coordinating directly with the treating physicians in Croatia - they obtained detailed clinical reports, imaging results, and operative summaries to determine when the patient might safely be repatriated.

While the patient remained sedated and ventilated, Malteser’s team also turned its focus to his family. His wife and children, still reeling from the shock of the accident, required immediate emotional and logistical support.

Malteser arranged nearby hotel accommodation for them, and ensured they were kept fully informed about their husband and father’s condition in their mother tongue, German. Every medical update was translated into clear explanations.

For nearly two weeks, the patient remained in the Croatian hospital under supervision. Malteser’s medical team worked with the local trauma specialists to review progress and re-evaluate readiness for transport.

Fit to fly

After 14 days, following successful surgeries and a period of stabilisation, the patient was fit to fly. A standard commercial medical escort was out of the question – repatriation via air ambulance was the only possible way to bring the patient home.

Malteser AeroMedical deployed its team and – working closely with its trusted aviation partner, Quick Air – prepared its Learjet 45XR for take-off.

Malteser also coordinated the family’s return to Germany, arranging commercial flights to coincide with the air ambulance’s arrival.

On the day of transfer, Malteser’s medical team arrived early at the Croatian hospital to conduct a final bedside assessment. Sedation levels were carefully optimised, invasive lines secured, and ventilator settings adjusted to ensure stability during transport.

Throughout the flight, the Malteser team monitored the patient continuously. Hours later, the aircraft touched down safely in Germany, where a waiting ground ambulance completed the final leg of the journey. Upon arrival at the receiving hospital, Malteser provided a comprehensive clinical handover. What began as a perfect day of adventure ended in tragedy, but thanks to a swift intervention, the patient was safely brought home to continue his recovery.