A dramatic early-morning rescue unfolded at Avoca Beach during what has been described as a “1-in-100-year swell,” after a man was injured by a large wave while walking at the base of a cliff.
With the tide rapidly rising, rescue crews were unable to safely reach the man on foot or via rope access from above the cliff face, prompting a call for the Toll Rescue Helicopter.
An initial winch attempt was aborted due to heavy wave spray and poor visibility. However, after confirming the patient was sheltered from incoming waves at the base of the cliff, the helicopter and crew landed nearby and waited for first light to safely continue the operation.
At sunrise, a NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic was winched down to the patient to provide urgent medical treatment. Once conditions improved with the changing tide, the man was successfully winched out and flown to Gosford Hospital for further care.
Dr Shane, who documented the mission, shared images from the operation and issued a strong warning to the public watching nearby.
“One of the risks during the mission was the people standing very close to a loose, sloping cliff edge,” he said, urging caution around cliffs and rock platforms during dangerous surf conditions.