Stroke Of Luck For Rescue Helicopter Stroke Patient

A retired Hawke’s Bay farmer who was airlifted by the Wallace Foundation Rescue Helicopter for emergency surgery is counting his blessings reflecting on the stroke he suffered only two weeks ago, calling it ‘a stroke of luck’.

Havelock North retiree and local horseman John Bridge cannot believe how lucky he was to have been in the Hawke’s Bay Hospital Accident and Emergency Department when his stroke struck.

“I remember waking up on Monday morning to hives that had erupted in big itchy welts all over my body. It was getting worse by the second so I took myself into Peak Practise where I collapsed in the waiting room. The wonderful staff recognised that I was experiencing anaphylaxis from a new medication and administered adrenalin.”

From there Mr Bridge was ambulanced to A&E and administered another shot when his symptoms returned. At that point Mr Bridge was exhibiting signs of an impending stroke. Within minutes he had experienced a major left sided stroke and was immediately taken for a brain scan. As a result of having two shots of adrenalin he was unable to be administered anti coagulant therapy to stem the stroke so the decision was made with Wellington’s Hospital Neurology team, to airlift him for an endovascular clot retrieval (thrombectomy).

Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Paramedic, Heath Gillot says the ability for clinicians and emergency departments to eliminate any and all delays is absolutely crucial in improving stoke patient outcomes.

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“In this case the medical staff clearly identified the stroke, provided the immediate care and relied on the ability of the rescue helicopter to very quickly transport John to Wellington for definitive treatment where he has made a great recovery and not been left in a debilitating state due to his stroke.”

Heath says the seventy minute flight to Wellington saw John undergoing emergency surgery within a critical three and a half hour timeframe.

“What makes this such a success story is that it illustrates you can still live in the provinces and receive world-class medical treatment when you really need it. That’s what the Wallace Foundation Rescue Helicopter provides; agility, specialist care and speed when every second counts.

“It is always incredibly fulfilling to know that we have been able to play a part in saving someone's life and to give a family back their loved one.”

John’s wife Jackie accompanied him on the flight and recounts the harrowing ordeal.

“We’re so grateful that Johnny happened to be in the best place possible to have a stroke – in hospital, he could so easily have been out of coverage at the farm or working horses. Then to have the rescue helicopter and expertise of their specialist crew available along with one of Wellington’s best surgeons when he desperately needed it, the stars really did align. It’s a miracle – we feel so blessed it all worked out.”

Following successful clot retrieval plus a carotid stent, John was transferred back to Hawke’s Bay Hospital the very next day, where he spent two days under observation. Mr Bridge has since returned home with full function and aside from being unable to drive for a month, has resumed his daily activities.

“I’m feeling good, albeit not quite as robust but that’s just time. I’m so grateful I’ve been given a second chance thanks to the speed and skill of the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter crew. Bill, Heath, Wayne and the Hospital Flight Team were outstanding, keeping me calm and well informed throughout the flight.”

In an ironic twist, Mr Bridge’s daughter Alisha Neilson works for the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust promoting the service and writing patient articles.

“Never did I anticipate I’d be writing a story so close to home, watching Dad being loaded onto the heli that day and witnessing firsthand the crew’s care, skill and professionalism really reinforced to me why this service means so much to our community.

“My family feel incredibly indebted to the service, it was the lifeline we so desperately needed. Ultimately, I still have my Dad thanks to the crew that day.”

As for John, giving back to the service is now deeply personal.

“I often see the heli fly overhead and think I hope that’s no one I know. I will have to get a few more lambs on that truck for Heli Livestock!”

As the region's primary emergency and search and rescue air support, the Wallace Foundation Rescue Helicopter averages around 400 callouts per year and relies heavily on corporate partnership and community donations to perform each and every lifesaving mission.

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