KUCHING: The State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Air Division has successfully airlifted a patient from Miri to Kuching for urgent specialist treatment despite challenging weather conditions.
Sarawak Regional Air Base Commandant Sofian Ahmed @ Ibrahim said the department carried out the medical evacuation of a 36-year-old man yesterday (June 26).
He said the patient was suffering from a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (a ruptured liver cancer tumour) and required specialised treatment and further care at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
“Initially, we planned to airlift the patient on June 22 and 24, but the operations were postponed due to the patient’s unstable condition.
“On June 26 at 12pm, we were finally able to airlift the patient using our Mi-171 helicopter from Miri Airport to the Tabuan Jaya fire station,” he said.
Sofian led the operation and piloted the helicopter, accompanied by nine crew members, two medical personnel and the patient’s wife.
The helicopter landed at the Tabuan Jaya fire station at 3.50pm, and the patient was subsequently transported by ambulance to SGH.
Sofian explained that the flight was conducted at an altitude of 1,000 feet, with rainy conditions at the start of the journey and overcast skies upon arrival in Kuching.
Caption: Crew members attend to the patient during the medical evacuation flight.
