Could this be possible? Mia du Preez could not believe she had to request an air ambulance evacuation for her 9 year old son Aidan from Pemba in Mozambique. Her disbelief was only partly due to his medical condition and apparent pain, but also because it has been only a month since her 4 year old daughter, Meghan had been transported to South Africa by one of Air Rescue Africa’s air ambulances.
In January last year, Meghan was knocked over by a car. Her very anxious mother, Mia, called into the International SOS Alarm Centre whilst at the scene of the accident requesting assistance and reported that Meghan was lying on the side of the road and her leg appeared to be in a much distorted position. Guided by the doctor, Mia provided the first aid treatment that her daughter needed and then transported her Meghan to the local hospital where it was confirmed that she had suffered a very serious fracture of her lower leg. The Air Rescue Africa crew evacuated Meghan via air ambulance, from Pemba to South Africa where she received treatment.
Just as Meghan had returned home and was settling in and on her way to full recovery, her brother Aidan presented with severe “tummy pain”. For the preceding two days, the entire family had suffered from gastro – but when Aidan continued to spike fevers and the diarrhoea and vomiting did not stop, he was diagnosed by a local physician to have acute appendicitis. Aidan needed immediate surgery. To ensure he received the best and safest medical treatment it was requested that Aidan be evacuated to South Africa.
Little sister Meghan, with her leg still in cast, and her mom Mia accompanied Aidan on his evacuation from Pemba, Mozambique to Johannesburg. Meghan, who was now the expert on air ambulances, evacuations and flight crew, ensured that Aidan was well informed and kept the crew thoroughly entertained with her stories for the duration of the journey.
Both children have made full recoveries and are living healthy and active outdoor lifestyles in Pemba.
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Meghan inside the air ambulance
The Du Preez family reunited in Mozambique
Aidan du Preez enjoying life in Mozambique
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DOUBLE TAKE
