Two rock climbers were safely rescued from the Glass House Mountains yesterday after becoming stranded mid-climb, prompting a winch operation by the LifeFlight Sunshine Coast-based aeromedical crew.
The LifeFlight helicopter was tasked at 1.40pm by Retrieval Services Queensland following reports that the climbers were unable to safely descend and required aerial assistance. Challenging terrain and limited access meant a helicopter rescue was deemed the safest option.
After arriving on scene, the LifeFlight rescue crew assessed the situation before deploying a rescue crew officer (RCO) by winch to reach the climbers. The RCO was lowered to the rock face where contact was made with the pair, who had been waiting for help.
In a carefully coordinated operation, the female climber was winched into the helicopter first, followed by the male climber. Both were secured and safely lifted from the mountain without incident.
The helicopter then landed at the base of the mountain, where Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics carried out precautionary assessments. The woman, aged in her 30s, and the man, aged in his 20s, were found to be uninjured and did not require further medical treatment.
LifeFlight crews regularly respond to rescues across South East Queensland, particularly in popular outdoor recreation areas such as the Glass House Mountains, which attract climbers and hikers year-round. While the region is renowned for its natural beauty, authorities continue to urge adventurers to plan carefully, monitor weather conditions and ensure they have appropriate skills and equipment before setting out.
The successful rescue highlights the close collaboration between LifeFlight, Retrieval Services Queensland and Queensland Ambulance Service, as well as the specialist winching capability that enables crews to reach people in remote or inaccessible locations.
LifeFlight has reminded the community that support from donors and sponsors helps keep these critical emergency services available, ensuring rapid responses when people find themselves in trouble in some of the state’s most challenging environments.
