An Australian television personality, Isabelle Silbery, recently shared her harrowing experience after suffering a spinal injury while horseback riding on Turtle Island, Fiji. The incident left her in immense pain and necessitated an airlift to Nadi for medical treatment.

Isabelle, known for her role on Gogglebox Australia, detailed the difficulties she faced during her ordeal on Instagram. She expressed the terror of being stranded on a remote island with an injury, saying, “It turns out being on a remote island is bloody scary when you have a horse-riding accident, are in immense pain, and don’t know how serious things are.”

Due to the limited availability of medical evacuation helicopters, which operate only during daylight, local Fijians carried her on a stretcher over a distance of 2 kilometers uphill in the dark to get her to a boat that could take her back to her accommodations. “They were all barefoot in the scorching heat, holding my hand and reassuring me I would be okay,” she recalled. A doctor was on standby and provided her with pain relief through the night.

She humorously acknowledged her husband’s unexpected support in a rather personal situation, mentioning, “the kind of commitment that we’re not in our vows.” After being transported to mainland Fiji, she underwent scans and has since returned to Melbourne, where she is now resting and recovering.

In her post, Isabelle also issued a public service announcement about travel insurance, revealing that theirs did not cover many activities typical of a holiday, including horseback riding. She cautioned others to review their policies thoroughly before embarking on adventures.

This incident echoes previous stories from travelers facing health emergencies while abroad. For instance, Carol Wallen, another Australian, was faced with a critical health crisis in Fiji last year. She had to be evacuated for urgent treatment, but her recovery was remarkable, illustrating the resilience and care provided by medical professionals in such scenarios.

Isabelle Silbery’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of travel and the importance of proper insurance coverage, while also highlighting the compassionate assistance available from local communities in times of need. Such stories reinforce the significance of being prepared and seeking help without hesitation when faced with emergencies, ensuring that travelers can safeguard their adventures and ensure their health and safety.