In October, Maverick Robbins, a paraglider, had a dramatic fall from the skies above Rainbow Beach, north of Brisbane, landing hard against a sandstone cliff. “I put my feet out in front of me, and it just impacted so hard,” he recalled, describing the immediate surge of pain that followed. In a precarious situation, Robbins found a small shrub to grasp as an anchor while he dialled for help on his phone.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and a critical care doctor from LifeFlight, quickly arrived on the scene. They worked to secure Robbins, who was concerned about potential spinal injuries. Firefighter Ben Brown-Graham assessed the situation, ensuring a clear path for Robbins to be winched to safety, while callout officer Callum Good faced the challenges presented by the helicopter’s downwash and shifting sands.
Despite sustaining three fractures in his back, Robbins has since made a full recovery. In a poignant reunion with his rescuers, he expressed immense gratitude, stating, “I know that without the LifeFlight crew, I wouldn’t be here today.” Inspired by this life-changing experience, Robbins now aspires to become a pilot to assist others in distress.
Robbins’ experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of adventure sports and the importance of pursuing what makes us feel alive. “We can’t live our lives in fear,” he asserts, encouraging others to embrace their passions.