Hiking
Medical emergency
Mountain
Normal conditions
On a quiet evening along the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most iconic and remote hiking routes, a hut ranger at Mintaro Hut found herself at the center of a challenging medical situation. At around 8:30 pm, a mother approached the ranger with serious concerns about her 11-year-old daughter. She had been suffering from a severe migraine for two days. Despite being administered medication, the young girl’s condition had not improved. She was in intense pain, particularly on the left side of her head, and was experiencing pressure behind her left eye.
Fortunately, a doctor and nurse happened to be staying in the hut that night. They quickly assessed the girl, monitored her vitals, and administered stronger medication. This was her first-ever migraine—an alarming situation given the severity. The doctor advised the medical team to evacuate the patient immediately.
The ranger began gathering all necessary information to initiate a medical evacuation and attempted to contact the Department of Conservation (DOC) via VHF radio interconnect. The primary method of communication in this remote area where there is no cell phone coverage. Despite her experience and multiple attempts through the radio repeater network, the call wouldn’t go through. She also asked the nearby huts to try on their systems, but they had no success either.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the communication breakdown, the hut ranger activated her rescueME PLB1 (personal locator beacon) at 10:00 pm. Within just 10 minutes, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) responded by calling the hut using the same telecall interconnect system. A Queenstown-based paramedic then spoke directly with the doctor on site to assess the patient’s condition.
However, due to poor weather—low cloud cover and gusty winds—a helicopter evacuation during the night was deemed unsafe. The doctor and nurse stayed with the girl throughout the night, monitoring her condition closely until the rescue could safely proceed.
By 7:55 am the next morning, Otago Rescue Helicopters were able to land at Mintaro Hut under improved weather conditions. They flew the girl and her mother to Dunedin Hospital for further treatment. Her father and brother continued their Milford Track adventure.
Our radio technicians have since reported and resolved the issue with the VHF radio interconnect, ensuring future reliability in critical moments.
This incident highlights the value of backup communication, quick-thinking DOC staff, and having medical professionals among trampers. We’re grateful for the positive outcome and the collaborative efforts that made it possible.
Always carry a PLB, it’s a game changer in any situation.
PLB’s are an important part of our kit. It was a smooth process once activated. Thank you.
