Jet Ski accident victim flown to Phuket

PHI PHI: The Phuket Police Aviation Division (PPAD) dispatched a helicopter to Koh Phi Phi yesterday morning to pick up a Swedish tourist injured in a jet-ski mishap. Dr Somchai Viriyakhattiyaporn, a brain surgeon at Bangkok Phuket Hospital, told the Gazette that he received a phone call at 10:30 am yesterday from a Swedish insurance agency, informing him that a Swedish tourist staying in Phi Phi needed emergency help. The doctor said that the victim had been riding a jet-ski late Wednesday afternoon and had been thrown from the machine, landing on his back. He was picked up by another jet-skier, but told his rescuer that he was okay and then returned to his bungalow. The next morning he woke up with extreme pain in his back and moderate pain in his legs. He could barely move, but managed to call his insurance agent in Sweden. After Dr Somchai received the news, he called the PPAD and told them to prepare a helicopter. Unfortunately, the PPAD could not immediately provide one as their sole machine was inoperative and awaiting parts from Bangkok. Pol Lt Col Leurgiet Magonpan of the PPAD said, “The closest available helicopter was in Surat Thani. It took about an hour for it to get here from there.” Despite having to wait for the helicopter, Dr Somchai said it was the best alternative. “If we had transferred him by boat and then ambulance to the hospital, the rough ride would have posed serious risks for him.” Mr Sebastian remains at Bangkok Phuket Hospital where he is awaiting test results.