Empress Spring: Multi-agency vertical rescue saves woman who fell eight metres into cave, stuck for 12hrs
A complex operation lasting more than 12 hours rescued a woman who fell into a deep cave while exploring WA’s rugged outback with her partner.
WA Police heralded the rescue as an “extraordinary multi-agency effort” after the 60-year-old woman was pulled from a Lake Wells cave called Empress Spring, a tourist attraction with a staircase leading down 10 metres.
St John WA paramedics and police were alerted to a woman injured in a fall in the remote area, about 1287km north-east of Perth, at around 5pm on Friday.
“The woman and her partner were located and emergency assistance was provided, but specialist vertical rescue equipment was required,” a police spokesman said.
“The two were well prepared until he arrived.
“The woman’s partner provided assistance throughout the night by lowering equipment, including first aid supplies, water and camping chairs, into the cave system.”
The woman only came out of the hole at 5.35 in the morning on Saturday. It was learned that the injured woman was taken to Laverton Hospital and her life was not in danger.
Senior Sergeant Brendan Grogan, of Laverton police, said “every agency played a vital role in bringing this woman to safety”.
“Conditions were challenging with the rescue being in such a remote location, but the determination and professionalism of the entire crew ensured a positive outcome,” he said.
“This was teamwork at its best.
“It also reinforces the importance of being well prepared, as does the woman and her partner, and serves as a reminder of how quickly a perfect day spent outdoors can turn into a potentially life-threatening emergency.”
Goldfields-Midlands DFES Acting Inspector Murray McBride said the woman fell eight metres.
“At the time, this was a difficult rescue that required a lot of skill in the context of a specialized vertical rescue with a potentially seriously injured patient who fell up to eight meters and was isolated overnight,” he said.
“The crew were very relieved when they were able to successfully get the patient out and into the hands of St John medical staff.”
WA Country Health Goldfields director Alicia Michalanney said on Saturday the woman was in a stable condition.
“Our regional medical teams, supported by the emergency telehealth service, provided immediate assessment and treatment after the patient arrived at Laverton Hospital, following close coordination with emergency responders during the rescue.
“The patient is in a stable condition and this incident demonstrates how effectively agencies work together to provide care to even the most remote parts of Western Australia.”
