Call-outs strengthen rescue chopper fight

The fight to fund the Bunbury-based RAC Rescue Helicopter into the future was strengthened at the weekend when its services were needed during two separate life-threatening incidents.

The chopper responded to events at Capel and Donnybrook over Saturday and Sunday when two people were airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.

The emergencies brought home the importance of the chopper to the region, according to South West MLC Colin Holt.

“Two responses in two days – do you need any more evidence than that,” Mr Holt said.

“It’s one of the reasons we fought so hard to get it here, response times means saving lives.”

Ralph Lyster, 37, suffered head injuries when his horse fell and landed on him about 9.30am at the WA Polocrosse Club Championships in Capel on Saturday.

Mr Lyster was airlifted to RPH by the rescue chopper and was placed in an induced coma by doctors because he had bleeding on the brain.

His condition improved on Sunday to stable and he is understood to now be awake and breathing on his own and is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Lyster was competing for the Serpentine Foothills Polocrosse Club when he was injured.

Polocrosse Association of Western Australia on Monday released a statement from Mr Lyster’s wife saying her husband was “very lucky”.

“He is breathing for himself now. Has small bleed on his brain, still confused and agitated, will be in hospital a few more days,” Mrs Lyster said.

“Dr said they are hoping for a full recovery, will just take some time.”

In a separate incident at the True Grit event in Donnybrook on Sunday, a man was airlifted to RPH after suffering possible spinal injuries.

The 30-year-old competitor was still in a critical condition in the intensive care unit today (Tuesday).

It is unclear how he was injured during the 10-12km obstacle course, but True Grit Australia released a statement on Monday confirming paramedics and an on-site doctor had worked on the man.

“In accordance with the family’s wishes, we cannot provide any additional information at this point in time,” a spokeswoman said.