A sick child from Moce Island in Lau was the focus of an emergency helicopter evacuation after a rapid response involving Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and several government agencies helped ensure the aircraft could continue its life-saving mission.

The helicopter, carrying an intern and emergency medical equipment, needed to refuel before flying to Moce Island to evacuate the child and the child’s mother to hospital for urgent medical treatment.

After the helicopter operator was unable to find a suitable location to land and refuel, Prime Minister Rabuka coordinated with the Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the National Fire Authority and the Suva City Council to clear Albert Park in Suva, allowing the aircraft to land safely, refuel and resume its mission without delay.

The Prime Minister said the incident highlighted the challenges emergency aviation operators are facing due to the ongoing fuel crisis and rising fuel costs. He said it also demonstrated the need for better coordination between aviation authorities and emergency service providers to ensure timely responses during medical emergencies.

Rabuka thanked the Fiji Police Force and members of the public for their cooperation in facilitating the emergency operation.
“I am hopeful that this evacuation will be successful. The child will be brought to hospital in time and that the Fiji team will do well tomorrow,” he said.