Hero Brit troops save life of pregnant woman and her unborn child after she got trampled by elephant
HERO Brit soldiers saved the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child in Malawi – after she got trampled by an elephant.
The woman, in her 30s, was charged by the huge beast earlier this month, causing massive internal bleeding and life-threatening abdominal injuries.
But she was saved by Corporals Sam Jones and Brandon Wright who were deployed to the region to look after counter-poaching soldiers.
They raced to the hospital and administered fluids and blood amid fears her plunging blood pressure would stop her unborn child getting enough oxygen in the womb.
Thanks to their swift aid she and the child have made a miraculous recovery.
Married Afghan veteran Cpl Wright, 31, from North Wales, said: “When we found out that the patient still hadn’t been treated and had been delivered to the hospital on the back of a truck on a flatbed covered in blood we were determined to do our bit.
“There are limited facilities at the hospital so we knew that what we could offer might make some difference as there was no surgical option nearby.
“When we found out she had an unborn child it puts more pressure on but you just have to focus on the job.”
'COVERED IN BLOOD'
Cpl Sam Jones, 28, from Leeds, West Yorks, said: “We were set up under our mozzy nets under the stars ready for a normal night during operations in the park.
“So when this happened we immediately had to switch focus and prepare ourselves for a different task.
“We were extremely concerned about losing the baby due to the location of the injures.
“Due to the blood loss and low blood pressure there was a concern that the blood pressure wasn’t high enough to supply oxygen to the baby.
“Stopping the bleeding and raising the blood pressure was essential to survival for mother and baby.
“We were originally taken aback when we heard it was an elephant attack and again when we discovered she was pregnant, but then we switched to professional mode and got on with providing the treatment she required.”
The drama unfolded earlier this month. The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was cycling through Liwonde National Park when the elephant charged her and trampled her underfoot.
She was rushed to Mangochi hospital in the back of a truck before the two British Army Medics arrived offering to help poorly equipped medical staff.
SEVERE WOUNDS
There they found her in a critical state with severe wounds including internal bleeding.
After they stabilised her, she was later moved to Zomba hospital where she underwent surgery.
Officials said African Parks have paid for the operation and continue to pay all of her medical bills while she recovers.
British troops have been working with African Parks, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for the last three years on counter poaching operations.
Our Boys and Girls are passing on elite soldiering skills to the Rangers charged with protecting endangered wildlife.
Since they arrived there, no “high value” species have been poached in the park.
The Army currently has over 30 personnel deployed in Malawi on Counter Poaching Operations, which are funded by Dfid.
most read in politics
In May of this year Guardsman Mathew Talbot, 23, was trampled to death by an elephant during counter poaching duties in Malawi.
His commanding officer Lt Col Ed Launders, at the time, praised him saying: “I will always feel honoured to have served alongside Guardsman Mathew Talbot.
“He was a determined and big-hearted Coldstreamer who devoted his life to serving his country.”
- GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]