A 12-year-old boy was in critical condition and had to be medically evacuated from a Carnival cruise ship. The Air Force Reserve Command’s 920th Rescue Wing had to perform an air evacuation on Saturday because the ship was more than 350 miles offshore. According to a press release by the combat search and rescue wing.
Aiden Bridges and his family were on board the Carnival Venezia cruise ship, sailing along the East Coast to return to New York from the Caribbean, when he became unwell, as mentioned in a GoFundMe campaign set up by Aiden’s mother, Angela Bridges.
During his visit to the ship’s medical team, the pre-teen underwent an X-ray, revealing a rupture in his bowel. The doctors on board urgently advised the family that Aiden needed immediate medical evacuation to a hospital in North Carolina for surgery.
Angela Bridges did not promptly respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
The ship was currently enjoying a sea day and had plans to return to New York on Monday.
Medical evacuation insurance, also known as medevac insurance, is a type of coverage that provides financial protection in the event that you require emergency medical transportation. This insurance is designed to cover the expenses associated with transporting you to a medical facility capable of providing the appropriate level of care for your condition. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, having medical evacuation insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you will be taken care of in the event of a medical emergency.
According to Janna Rowell, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line, the team at Carnival Venezia collaborated with officials from the United States Coast Guard and Air Force to modify its course on Saturday. This adjustment was made to allow a medical helicopter to meet the ship and transport a guest who required treatment ashore. Rowell shared this information in an email statement to USA TODAY.
The 920th Rescue Wing swiftly responded to the call by mobilizing a rescue team from Florida. The team consisted of two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, and two squads of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen. They were deployed to the ship’s location to provide assistance. Flight doctors played a crucial role in determining the appropriate treatment station for Aiden’s transportation.
Captain Dylan Gann, pilot of the 301st Rescue Squadron, highlighted the remarkable efficiency and teamwork displayed by everyone in the wing. “By coming together and coordinating our efforts, we were able to provide life-saving aid much faster than other response teams, delivering assistance a full six hours ahead,” he stated.
The helicopters had to perform air-to-air refueling because of the ship’s remote location. Pararescuers were lowered down to the ship’s deck, and they brought Aiden and his mother up to the helicopter.
According to Mira Simanovsky, a passenger onboard the cruise ship, the passengers were informed about the need for a medical evacuation through an announcement made over the intercom system. Simanovsky happened to be on her balcony when she noticed two helicopters and army planes circling the ship. Intrigued by the situation, she joined fellow passengers on the deck to witness the unfolding rescue mission.
“It was a terrifying experience. Tears were streaming down everyone’s face,” she recalled. As someone who had taken 35 cruises before, she admitted that she had never witnessed anything quite like it before.
Cheering and clapping, the crowd on the deck gathered as the mother and her son were airlifted.
After a grueling eight-hour mission covering over 1,000 miles, the aircraft finally made its way back to the station.
The Carnival ship continued its journey to New York without any further disruptions and arrived in the city on Monday morning as scheduled.
In a heartfelt message on the GoFundMe fundraiser, Bridges expressed her deep gratitude to those who have sent well wishes, prayers, and positive thoughts for their beloved baby and the entire family. She emphasized her awe at the overwhelming kindness and support they have received from everyone. The purpose of the fundraiser is to assist with Aiden’s insurance deductible and other medical expenses that the family has to bear out-of-pocket.
In a recent update, Bridges shared that Aiden has a challenging journey to recovery awaiting him.
Kathleen Wong, a travel reporter for USA TODAY stationed in Hawaii, can be contacted at [email protected].
“It was a terrifying experience,” recalls a member of the Air Force, as they share the story of evacuating a 12-year-old boy in critical condition from a cruise ship. The urgency of the situation was evident, and the Air Force wasted no time in taking action. This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by emergency services in times of need.
