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The kayaker who was rescued from the Franklin River in November during a 20-hour rescue operation is being discharged this week from the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) and is returning home to Lithuania.
Professor Dinesh Arya, Acting Secretary of the Department of Health, said that the patient has continued to recover after surviving an extraordinary event.
“This gentleman experienced a life-changing ordeal in a country far from his home and family, and has made a steady recovery,” Professor Arya said.
“The rescue involved a major complex mission between Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania, Surf Life Saving Tasmania, Rotor-Lift and the Tasmanian Health Service to free the man who had become trapped between rocks in running water.
“During his treatment at the RHH, the patient has had the opportunity to meet some of the frontline crew members to discuss his rescue and share his thanks.
“Our frontline emergency services and acute hospital staff were faced with an extremely challenging situation and had to make difficult decisions to save the man’s life – putting their advanced skills, experience, and personal resilience to the test.
“This is a great example of a whole of health system and cross-agency effort that has resulted in this man’s life being saved. I applaud every individual who played a part in the rescue, as well as all staff who have been providing acute and ongoing care to the patient at the RHH over the past few months.
“This case is a true testament of the strength and dedication of Tasmania’s world class emergency rescue and healthcare services and the individuals who go above and beyond to care for all patients, wherever they are located.
“On behalf of the Department of Health, I wish this gentleman all the best in his continued recovery and rehabilitation back home with his family and loved ones,” Professor Arya said.
