PolAir Completes 22 Rescues in Flood Response Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Emergency services continue to respond to calls for help from stranded residents in flood-affected regions across the Mid North Coast. PolAir, the aviation command of the NSW Police Force, has been a key component in the aerial response, completing 22 rescues since the emergency began. The NSW Police Force Aviation commander, acting Superintendent Allan Simpson, expressed pride in his team's commitment to ensuring community safety, emphasizing the need for residents to stay vigilant and heed emergency warnings.

Key Takeaways:

  • PolAir has completed 22 rescues, with 18 winch rescues performed in the 24 hours until 8am on Thursday, May 22.
  • Four dogs and one cat were rescued along with their owners in addition to seven people from three homes in River Road Coolongolook.
  • Notable incidents include the rescue of two people stuck on the roof of their vehicle, four truck drivers stranded on the M1 at Ghinni Ghinni, and a person suffering an asthma attack on Oxley Island.
  • PolAir transported essential medication from the Emergency Operation Centre to paramedics at Old Bar.
  • Acting Superintendent Allan Simpson highlighted the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with emergency services.
  • Over 4100 incidents have been responded to by emergency services since the flood response began on Monday, May 19.
  • More than 500 flood rescues have been completed by emergency services since the beginning of the flood response.

Statistics:

  • 22 rescues completed by PolAir
  • 18 winch rescues performed in 24 hours until 8am on Thursday, May 22
  • 4 dogs and 1 cat rescued along with their owners
  • 7 people rescued from 3 homes in River Road Coolongolook
  • 2 people stuck on the roof of their vehicle (both aged in their 70s)
  • 4 truck drivers stranded on the M1 at Ghinni Ghinni
  • 1 person suffering an asthma attack rescued on Oxley Island
  • Over 4100 incidents responded to by emergency services since Monday, May 19
  • Over 500 flood rescues completed by emergency services

Sources:

  • Staff Reporters, "22 rescues by PolAir as flood emergency response continues" (date not specified)
  • NSW Police Force Aviation, PolAir Operations (date not specified)
  • NSW SES, Flood-Related Advice and Warnings (www.ses.nsw.gov.au)
  • Livetraffic.com, Road Closures and Updates (www.livetraffic.com)
  • BOM, Weather, Wind and Marine Warnings (www.bom.gov.au)
  • Red Cross, Register, Find, Reunite (https://register.redcross.org.au/)
  • Hazards Near Me, Emergency Alert App (download)