CRUSHED RIDER IS AIRLIFTED TO TOWNSVILLE AFTER HORSE FALL

May 20, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RACQ CQ Rescue has tonight flown a seriously injured man to Townsville hospital after he was crushed by a horse on a Collinsville property.

The 50-year-old man, believed to be a contractor, was riding a horse on the property about 115km south-west of Bowen about 2pm when the horse tripped and he was catapulted forward. The horse then fell on top of him.

RACQ CQ Rescue arrived at the cattle property just after 3pm, landing in a clearing adjacent to the homestead with a doctor, Critical Care Paramedic and rescue crewman on board.

The rider suffered serious injuries including possible spinal and abdominal injuries and was experiencing significant chest pain and a potentially life-threatening pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

The rescue helicopter medical team administered strong pain relief and treated the patient’s pneumothorax before loading him into the helicopter for take off only 40 minutes later.

The man was flown to Townsville hospital in a serious but stable condition arriving at 6pm.

RACQ CQ Rescue returned to base in Mackay about 9.45pm.

It is the sixth farming accident attended by RACQ CQ Rescue this year where patients have been airlifted as a result of sustaining serious injuries from cattle and horses.

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Ian Rowan said CQ Rescue was the region’s lifeline 24/7, whatever the illness or injury.

“Whether it's a remote cattle property, a workplace incident or a motor vehicle accident, our crew and helicopter are available 24/7 across Central and North Queensland to help save lives.”

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Please credit any released photos and video footage to RACQ CQ Rescue.
Please note: Full title of rescue service is RACQ CQ Rescue.

For further information please contact:
Naomi Noy
RACQ CQ Rescue
Ph: 0417 578 182