Multiple medical emergencies on a cruise ship off the Washington coast last weekend required the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to call for help north of the border, with 19 Wing Comox answering the call to action.
Two medical evacuations from the Ruby Princess cruise ship occurred Sunday, August 24, the vessel was located around 85 kilometres south of Tofino, according to 19 Wing Comox.
The rescues of a 52-year-old female passenger who had suffered from cardiac arrest and a 99-year-old male passenger who was suffering from complete esophageal obstruction prompted a response 19 Wing Comox and the Canadian Coast Guard crews.
A CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft was deployed by 19 Wing Comox to provide aerial oversight and coordination throughout the mission, while a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter evacuated the 52-year-old female to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
The 99-year-old passenger was transported by an MH-65 helicopter from USGC Port Angeles to Neah Bay, before a wing-to-wing transfer was made with Life Flight Network.
Lt(N). Keil Kodama with 19 Wing Comox said the calls requesting support were received around 9:00 a.m.
“This rescue operation exemplifies the exceptional international cooperation and the rapid emergency response capabilities of both nations,” Kodama says.
Both patients received critical care once they were transported to the hospitals.
