A camping trip on a family farm turned into a life-threatening situation for local outdoor-loving teenager Camden and his friend.

In November 2021, on a picturesque sheep and beef farm, Camden and his friend had planned to go to the farm’s campsite, not too far from home.

The teenagers were on their farm quad bike, carefully navigating a steep part of the paddock on the hilly terrain of the farm.  

The boys, not wanting to take any risks on the quad bike, decided Camden would navigate the bike down the hill while his friend walked down.  

“Camden is not exactly sure what happened next that evening, but the quad bike throttle either jammed or it suddenly and unexpectedly jumped a gear and the bike rolled over and went down the bank taking Camden with it,” explains Camden’s mum, Raewyn. 

Camden was knocked unconscious. Thankfully, his friend acted quickly by calling emergency services, ensuring Camden's airway was clear, and ringing his dad for assistance.  

Due to their location at the bottom of a steep hill, getting help wasn't easy, as a result of this, it was determined that the best way to transport Camden was by rescue helicopter. 

Not long after, the rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene and emergency services had arrived at the house and were driven over the paddocks to Camden by 4WD. 

The rescue helicopter crew landed as close as they could, finding a flat section on top of the hill close to the boys, while emergency services carried Camden up and out of the steep terrain. 

The rescue helicopter crew ensured Camden was stable and comfortable before taking off, and with just a short 10-minute flight to hospital, with his mum on board, Camden was quickly receiving the care he needed. 

Despite the severity of Camden’s accident, which resulted in a serious brain injury, Camden a year and a half on has made an incredible recovery and has also recently been discharged from ABI Rehabilitation.  

“He is back doing all the things he loves doing as an active teenager,” says Raewyn. “The only thing he won't do now is ride in that paddock, preferring to walk it instead!” she says. 

“Without the critical service that the rescue helicopter provides in these regions, Camden’s recovery and outcome could’ve been quite different. The generosity of both sponsors and donors in ensuring this vital service is available to rural communities is invaluable,” says Raewyn, a very thankful mum! 

Accidents or emergency situations can happen anywhere, anytime. It’s what happens next that matters.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter is a charity. It's only because of legendary Kiwis like you, that we can take to the skies at a moment's notice - to save lives.

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