Local rider rescued after a serious leg injury in Gippsland

Dan Jeffery, 37, was enjoying an afternoon dirt bike riding in Jumbuk in late May when the unthinkable happened - he was alone and injured in the bush.

A local and regular rider, Dan attempted to ascend a steep dirt embankment with ruts and washouts, when he lost momentum and came to a halt. When he attempted to stop on the uneven terrain, he was unable to reach the ground with his foot, and Dan’s bike crushed his right leg.

Luckily, he had just enough phone reception to call for help. His wife and father-in-law were first on the scene, followed by Ambulance Victoria ground crew from Churchill and an Air Ambulance.

Chris Allen, a MICA fight paramedic with Ambulance Victoria was part of the team that came to Dan’s rescue.

Chris said, “This was a logistically complex rescue. Our road paramedics performed remarkable clinical care on Dan before we arrived to winch him to safety.

Dan is recovering well following multiple orthopedic surgeries at La Trobe Regional Hospital.

“I’m just grateful that I had enough phone signal to call for help, if I didn’t it would have been a very different outcome,” said Dan.

“I’ll definitely be investing in a satellite phone, and I encourage others to do the same when adventuring outdoors.”

“Thank you to everyone who was involved in the rescue.”

Our top tips before you begin your outdoor adventures

• Know your trails – Before you set off, take time to check trail maps and difficulty ratings. Stick to trails that match your skill level.
• Download the EmergencyPlus app -This free app has a built-in GPS function to pinpoint your exact location in an emergency, even if you don’t know where you are. The What3Words location function works offline so it can be used in remote areas with poor data connections as well.
• Tell someone your plans – Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Carry the basics – Pack a mobile phone, a small first-aid kit, enough water, and wear appropriate gear.
• consider carrying a Personal Location Beacon (PLB).

About Ambulance Victoria’s Air Ambulance service

• Ambulance Victoria’s HEMS and highly skilled MICA flight paramedics and crews can reach the most remote places, and with winching capabilities, can perform retrievals in the most remote and hard to reach locations.
• Air Ambulance Victoria (AAV) helicopters allows patients requiring life-saving transport as quickly as possible to the nearest hospital.
• Air Ambulance Victoria (AAV) retrieve and treat around 6000 patients per year.

Find out more about enjoying the outdoors safely and preparing for your adventure(opens in a new window)