Carol Wallen, an 80-year-old from Melbourne, found herself in a life-threatening situation while vacationing in Fiji to celebrate her milestone birthday. After falling ill at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island, she was initially treated at a local clinic but later faced a critical decline in her health, leading to her transfer to Nadi Hospital.
Recognizing the urgency, her son, Darren, sought a better facility and opted to transfer her to Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) in Nadi. Shortly after her arrival, Mrs. Wallen suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest and was without a pulse for approximately ten minutes, necessitating immediate multi-organ support. The medical team at PSH, under the leadership of Consultant Dr. Ratu Vereniki Raiwalui, acted swiftly to resuscitate her.
Reflecting on her experience, Mrs. Wallen described her recovery as “amazing,” crediting the staff for her improved health. She expressed her intention to return to Fiji for another holiday once she fully recovers. Darren was equally impressed with the care his mother received, stating it was on par with or even superior to that of Australian hospitals.
Dr. Raiwalui detailed the intensive care measures employed to stabilize Mrs. Wallen, which included support for her vital organs during a critical state. Remarkably, within just four days of being taken off life support, she was able to sit in a wheelchair and enjoy some fresh air outside the hospital.
The Wallens were eventually repatriated to Australia on a Medivac flight complete with an Intensive Care team from Brisbane. PSH Managing Director Parvish Kumar emphasized the necessity for hotels and resorts to partner with medical facilities like theirs, enhancing health support for tourists experiencing emergencies. This incident illustrates the importance of accessible healthcare, particularly in tourist-heavy regions, and highlights the collaborative effort needed between hospitality and health services to ensure guest safety.
In conclusion, Carol Wallen’s remarkable recovery serves as a testament to the efficacy of emergency medical care and the advancements in healthcare within tourist destinations. Her story not only conveys a message of hope but also underscores the significance of preparedness in the tourism sector to address health emergencies effectively.
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