A MAF pilot was diverted to a remote community to medevac a patient attacked over a land dispute.
A story by, Kowara Bell
Mary* needed urgent medical treatment after a relative violently attacked her with a bush knife.
But quick action by MAF’s team in Papua New Guinea sent pilot Andy Symonds to an airstrip in Lufa district of Eastern Highlands Province, to collect the injured woman and bring her to hospital.
Relieved husband John* said the rapid response had saved his 41-year-old wife.
If MAF had not reached us in time, given my wife’s severe injuries, she would not have survived
“I want to thank MAF and the pilot for saving my wife’s life. Thank you so much.”
The diverted MAF flight from Mt Hagen was then able to resume its flight to Goroka, taking the injured woman to Goroka Hospital.
Pilot Andy described the drama of changing course for Lufa and reflected on the circumstances that led to Mary being attacked with a bush knife by a relative over a land dispute.
“I was on my way back from Hagen and the message came through to Goroka. They sent me a message and I diverted the plane to Lufa when I landed there instead of coming straight to Goroka,” he said.
“We can pray for the communities, that the truth of the gospel will bring change, and that the animosity between groups and families and tribes would be put aside.
“Medevacs are a big part of what we do. It's important to help people in the bush, who lack access to medical care, helping them to reach town where they can get proper medical attention.”
Mary’s recovery in hospital was boosted by a care pack organised by women in MAF’s team, which was supported by local businesses in Goroka.
The care pack includes a bucket, a blanket, a soft towel, a washcloth, water containers, plates, bowls, mugs, soap and a toothbrush – essential items for patients in a hospital bed far from home.
Michelle Venter, who helped organise MAF’s care pack effort in Goroka, said often in an emergency people grab their bilums (traditional string bags) and are rushed to the aircraft without personal belongings.
“They have very little time to gather their supplies before they get to the hospital,” Michelle said. “This is a real need for medevac patients and friends or family that accompany them, so every patient who gets flown into Goroka by MAF will receive a care pack.”
The initiative was supported by a donation of 30,000 Kina ($12,000 Australian) which Cynthea Leah, Secretary and Treasurer of the Goroka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, revealed was from generous local businesses.
"The chamber wanted to support a health project that the rural people of the Eastern Highlands would benefit from, and it was agreed that the medevac pack was such a project," Cynthea said. “This marks the first time the chamber has supported MAF in its work.”
Mary and her husband, John, were thankful for the care pack, since they had to rush for the plane without any personal belongings.
“Everything we needed was in the bucket, and we're so thankful that we were fortunate to use the bucket and supplies,” John said.
“When we arrived, I was only wearing a T-shirt and pants, and Mama Mary didn't have any extra items either. So, thank you MAF.”
* Name changed to protect the woman and man’s identity.