Emily began to feel unwell six weeks after giving birth to her first child, Hudson.  Emily had shortness of breath, vomiting and was Unable to walk more than two metres without stopping.  After seeking emergency medical attention, Emily was diagnosed with Peripartum cardiomyopathy - a rare disorder in which a pregnant woman's heart becomes weakened and enlarged. It develops during the last month of pregnancy, or within 5 months after the baby is born.  Emily required a heart transplant as soon as possible. 

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was tasked to transport Emily from John Hunter Hospital to St Vincents Sydney, where thanks to the generosity of an organ donor she received a heart transplant and is now able to raise her son. 

Millie had been experiencing flu-like symptoms for two days. After multiple doctor’s appointments and no improvement, her parents took her to their local hospital for further assessment. It became apparent that Millie’s heart was not working. Influenza B was attacking her heart muscle and the reduced blood supply meant all of her vital organs were starting to shut down.

In October 2018, after an overnight shift, Brandon dropped his then girlfriend, now wife, off to work. He then grabbed a bite to eat and fueled up before starting his short drive home. Just 4km from his house, Brandon fell asleep at the wheel of his ute, causing it to lose control and roll off the road.

Brandon's right arm was entirely severed during the accident. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter assisted Brandon and he is now telling his story. "I strongly believe the services that the Rescue Helicopter provides is critical to the Health Care System".

Brandon is back for his second year with the Base to Base Challenge!