To Mikayla Piripi, Adam Sutton, the Wellington Free Ambulance, NZ Police and Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, thank you for helping me out of a real bind last weekend.
I was on a training run to the top of Mount Matthews, overlooking the Wellington region. Just ten minutes down from the summit, I slipped, and as a result of being clipped into my running poles, I ended up dislocating my shoulder😖
The first people I encountered were Mikayla and Adam, who happened to be taking a breather at one of the few spots on the mountain with cell reception. They sprang into action to help this random guy. Not only did they coordinate with emergency services, but they also helped me into my emergency bag, used their bodies as windbreaks, gave me constant encouragement, and put Adam’s hat on my head!
When it was confirmed that it was too windy for a helicopter to land, and it was going to be hours before a team could reach us, Mikayla and Adam sacrificed their own plans and patiently stayed with me as we made our way down the steep trail. Imagine descending a mountain with someone carrying a cup of tea - that’s about how patient they had to be. Legends!
After about three hours, we finally saw the headlights of the police and Wellington Free Ambulance four-wheel-drives coming to meet us. The team got my shoulder back in place before a bumpy 4WD trip out of the area. A friend who saw the attached picture of the ambulance officer commented, “Love the rescue guy’s smile, it says ‘this is what we do daily.’” And I’m incredibly grateful they do!
The police, ambulance, and search and rescue team were all helpful, warm, caring and professional. They had come prepared with packs and tents to head up the mountain and stay the night. Also, Legends!
A massive thank you to you all.
