Cruise Ship Passenger Medevaced Off Atlantic City
The U.S. Coast Guard medevaced a 67-year-old woman Thursday from a cruise ship approximately 75 miles east of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
A medical doctor aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Breakaway contacted Coast Guard watchstanders at 7:53 p.m. to report the woman was in need of immediate medical assistance. After consulting with the flight surgeon, the woman was recommended for medical evacuation.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City arrived at the Norwegian Breakaway at 9:27 p.m., hoisted the woman aboard the helicopter and transferred her to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City for further medical assistance.
"With an 80-mile transit we knew we would have limited time on scene to get the job done," said Lt. Matt Kroll, a helicopter pilot who flew on the case. "The crew of the Norwegian Breakaway did everything we asked of them so it really sped up the process and allowed us to get the patient to the hospital as quickly as possible. With the air temperature well below freezing, our primary concern was to keep the patient safe and warm during the hoist."
