A challenging cliff rescue at the Darwin Esplanade has showcased the dedication and teamwork of St John NT paramedics during a complex and physically demanding incident.
On 28 January, emergency services responded to a female patient who had fallen approximately 20 metres down the Esplanade cliffs. The extrication took more than three hours in muddy, slippery conditions, with crews, equipment, and the ambulance heavily affected.
St John NT responding paramedic Jessica Jeggo said the rescue went smoothly, with paramedics, NT Emergency Services, and Police working together to safely retrieve the patient before she was transported to hospital.
“NT Emergency Services volunteers facilitated the rescue up the cliff with great care and efficiency. Without them, getting this patient out would have been extremely difficult. Police were also instrumental, initially finding the patient, helping us source equipment, and assisting the entire rescue,” Ms Jeggo said.
What stood out most, however, was the support from fellow paramedics during and after the rescue.
“By the time we completed handover at the hospital we were two and a half hours past our shift finish time, with much more work still to be done if not for our fellow crew members.”
“As well as our duty manager who came to support us at the scene, a colleague who was at the hospital when we arrived immediately headed out to our ambulance and cleaned it from top to bottom.
“People stepped in without being asked, simply because they knew things needed to be done.
“Most of the time these things go unnoticed and without thanks, but we really appreciated their help.”
Director Ambulance Services Craig Garraway said the incident highlighted the professionalism and care paramedics show for patients and each other.
“Paramedics operate in tough and unpredictable environments,” Mr Garraway said.
“Support from colleagues is vital, not only for patient care, but for the wellbeing of our crews.”
“We have a close-knit team, and it’s that teamwork and dedication that allows us to respond safely and effectively to high-risk incidents.”
Successful responses to complex and high-risk incidents, like this cliff rescue, rely on the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication of St John NT paramedics, working closely with NTES, Police and other partners across the Territory.
