A weekend ride with 8 mates in the Watagan Mountains took a horrific turn for Derek when he collided with a utility on a blind corner.

“To be lying beside one of your closest mates in a table drain and having him nearly die in your arms, to see the chopper turn up and know Derek was going to have some first class care straight away was a big relief,” Derek’s friend Scott said recounting the incident.

The Helicopter’s Critical Care Medical Team, consisting of NSW Health Doctors and NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedics are all extensively trained in winch operations.

Just millimetres from not being able to walk again, Derek’s winch extraction from the Watagans was crucial to ensuring the swiftest possible transfer to specialist medical care for his injuries.