From Bush Track to Hospital Bed

What happened?

We were on our way back from a volunteer trip with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, reflecting on a rewarding few days spent working in the bush. The terrain was familiar, uneven ground, roots, and damp leaf litter, nothing I hadn’t negotiated countless times before. It felt like just another routine walk out, the kind where your mind wanders ahead to a hot meal and the comfort of home.

Then, in a split second, everything changed.

A simple slip was all it took. My foot lost purchase on the track and as I went down, I heard a sharp, unmistakable crack. It wasn’t the sound of a branch snapping, it came from me. The pain was immediate and intense, and when I tried to stand, my leg simply wouldn’t respond. That was the moment it hit home: old joints don’t stretch and flex the way they used to.

Later, doctors would confirm what my body already knew, my quad tendon had torn completely away from the kneecap. Walking out under my own power was impossible.

Using radio comms we were able to get in contact with DOC Rakiura base to inform them of the situation. Following this, activation of our PLB allowed rescue services to pinpoint my exact location, even beneath the forest canopy. Before long, the sound of helicopter blades filtered through the trees, growing louder until the aircraft appeared overhead. The rescue crew worked with calm efficiency, preparing me for a winch lift through the canopy. Every step was reassuring, professional, and carefully explained.

Once clear of the bush, I was flown directly to Dunedin Hospital, monitored and cared for the entire way. The transition from isolation in the forest to the steady hands of medical professionals was seamless. In hospital, I received excellent care, and the following morning I underwent surgery to repair the damaged tendon. Looking back, I’m deeply aware of how much that rapid response mattered. Being plucked from the bush quickly and getting into surgery without delay has given me the best possible chance of a full recovery. It was a stark reminder that accidents don’t need to be dramatic to be serious, and that carrying the right emergency equipment can turn a potentially devastating situation into a manageable one.

Words of wisdom

Always have your PLB with you.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Thanks for small, light weight devices that are easy to carry and work.