HOW do you thank someone for saving your life?
For Josie O'Brien, the donation of a new all-terrain stretcher is just the beginning of her fundraising efforts to show her appreciation of the Tasmania Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Ms O'Brien, who works for Westpac in Sydney, was on the first day of a guided Overland Track walk near Cradle Mountain last month when she collapsed after suffering a heart attack and minor stroke.
The rescue helicopter was unable to land because of bad weather.
Search-and-rescue police, wilderness paramedics and SES volunteers walked in to reach her by 2am, then stretchered her out before she was airlifted to North West Regional Hospital. Ms O'Brien, who has made a full recovery, praised her rescuers for their courage and generosity.
"Everyone did their best under difficult circumstances to get me off the mountain and that's why I'm here today," she said.
"They were tremendous. I felt very safe and cared for -- they're just amazing people."
Westpac has supported the Tasmania Police Rescue Helicopter Service since 2005.
Ms O'Brien has launched her year-long fundraising effort to buy wilderness-specific equipment, with Westpac matching it dollar-for-dollar.
Ms O'Brien, who is originally from Tasmania, has been reunited with the people involved in her rescue, including pilot Jamie Humphreys.
"It was very emotional. I had to come back and say thank you," she said.
Mr Humphreys said it was rewarding to know about her recovery.
The helicopter service has completed 178 missions this year, which includes medivacs, searches, rescues, motor vehicle accidents, AUSSAR missions and training exercises.
Chairman of the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust Inspector Brett Smith urged people to take care outdoors this summer.
"We advise people to make sure they plan what they do and to tell people where they're going," he said.
Donations can be made to the Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust at any Westpac branch using BSB 037-001 and account number 422431.
elizabeth.lord@news.com.au
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