A 23-year-old woman was trapped upside down between two rocks for hours after trying to retrieve her mobile phone in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley.
Matilda Campbell was hiking with friends in Australia’s Laguna in early October when she dropped her phone while taking photos. According to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). While attempting to retrieve the device, Campbell slipped and fell nearly 10 feet (9 meters), becoming stuck upside down between two rocks.
A Facebook post from NSW Ambulance said Ms Campbell’s friends tried to free her as there was no mobile phone service in the area. After many failed attempts, her friends were finally able to call Triple Zero (000). The ABC said the Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Association and the Rural Fire Service were the first to respond, calling in law enforcement and emergency services in their place. (Related: Report: American man tries to record video, falls head first off 50-foot cliff while hiking)
NSW Ambulance Specialist Rescue Paramedic Peter Watts said he worked with responding paramedics to remove “some heavy rocks to create a safe access point” while staff began work. , built a hardwood frame to keep the area stable, the post said.
After clearing the area around Campbell’s feet, authorities had to guide her through a narrow opening, a process that took about an hour.
Rescuers were eventually able to move more than 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) of rock and free Campbell, who had been trapped for seven hours.
“In my 10 years as a paramedic, I have never encountered a job like this,” Watts said in a Facebook post. “It was challenging, but incredibly rewarding.” said.
Officials said Campbell left the scene with only minor bruises and scratches, and her cellphone was missing.
Mr Watts told the ABC Mr Campbell was in good spirits despite the situation.
“She was a very good soldier,” he told the outlet. “If I was in that situation, I would have just left her alone. But when we were there, she was calm, collected, and did whatever we asked her to do. I was able to do that to help.”
“It’s safe to say I’m the best. [accident] People who have ever had a tendency. I’m fine, I’m just recovering from an injury, so please don’t explore the rocks for a while! ” Campbell I wrote on Facebook after the incident.
“My friends, I wanted to give the biggest shout out to the team that worked so hard to get me out. I’m forever grateful because I likely won’t be here today,” she said. said In a later post.
