Medevac Response for Post-Delivery Complication in Finschhafen District | 15 January , 2026

A timely medical evacuation was carried out following an urgent request received involving a young mother in Kobau Village, Finschhafen District.

Flight nurse assisting the patient as the guardian with the newborn baby watches on.

The request was coordinated through Community Health Worker (CHW) of Gudabang Aid Post, who reported a post-delivery complication involving a 23-year-old. The patient had safely delivered her baby at 1:00 am on 14 January 2026, with the newborn reported to be well and alive.

However, the mother was experiencing a retained placenta for more than 24 hours, a serious gynaecological condition that can lead to infection or life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. At the time of assessment, the patient was conscious and alert, with no dizziness and no bleeding, but required urgent medical intervention. However, when the patient was picked up, she was carried on a makeshift stretcher to the helicopter.

The nearest health facility capable of managing the condition was Wesazaring Health Centre, located approximately six hours’ walk from the village; making immediate ground transfer impractical.

The weather conditions over the mountain tops were clear, and arrangements were made for patient pickup at the Kobau Village Soccer Field.

Timely intervention ensured the mother could receive appropriate treatment while her newborn remained safe.