MERCY FLIGHT IN VAIN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29361, 14 November 1960, Page 14

MERCY FLIGHT IN VAIN

Baby Dies Later In Hospital

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 13.

A mercy flight between Waiheke Island and Auckland city at dawn on Saturday ended tragically when the patient—a prematurely born baby—died in St. Helens Hospital six hours later.

The baby had been kept alive with oxygen during the 20 minute flight from the island in an amphibian aircraft flown by Captain F. P. Ladd.

The baby was born at 2 a.m. on Saturday, to Mrs A. E. Fisher, of Waiheke. It weighed 31b 2oz and, according to the matron of the hospital, Miss M. Fraser, was “very premature.” Captain Ladd was called at 2.55 a.m. He collected Sister A. Wells, from the hospital, and Mr M. Osborn, of the St. John Ambulance Association, to take with him on the flight. He was not able to take off until 4.25 a.m., because ,of air regulations, but arrived back with the mother and child and 5.5 a.m.

Sister Wells used oxygen equipment, specially loaded into the aircraft for the flight, to keep the infant alive during the trip. Mrs Fisher and the baby were taken by ambulance to the hospital as soon as the amphibian landed at Mechanics Bay.

The child was given emergency treatment at the hospital, but died in an oxygen tent shortly after 11 a.m.

Mrs Fisher was “not very well,” tonight, according to hospital authorities.