A FRENCH tourist who has been in a coma since being rescued from drowning off Phuket has been flown back to France in a medical evacuation, a lifeguard spokesperson said today.
Lifeguards on Phuket have been extremely busy already this long weekend, with crowds flocking to Phuket's popular beaches to enjoy the good weather, the spokesperson said.
A 14-year-old girl was being taken from Kata beach to Patong Hospital this evening - the third case to require a trip to hospital from Kata so far this weekend.
The girl required oxygen after being dragged from the water at Kata, which is south of Karon and Patong. A nine-year-old boy is already in Patong Hospital, and will be kept in overnight for observation after being rescued at Kata earlier today.
Yesterday a 21-year-old university student was admitted to Patong Hospital after she was also pulled from the water at Kata.
Frenchman Jean-Pierre Charles Dulary, 64, was in Patong Hospital briefly before being transferred to the better-equipped Vachira Hospital in Phuket City after being rescued at Patong beach on Monday.
He flew out yesterday accompanied by a doctor and nurse from a third Phuket hospital - Bangkok Hospital Phuket.
According to Phuket lifeguards, 64 people required rescue on Monday. As tomorrow is also a public holiday, they are concerned to remind swimmers to swim within the designated zones, where lifeguards are on duty.
Phuket Tourist's Body Washes Up: Frenchman Still in Coma, Fighting for LifeLifeguards on Phuket have been extremely busy already this long weekend, with crowds flocking to Phuket's popular beaches to enjoy the good weather, the spokesperson said.
A 14-year-old girl was being taken from Kata beach to Patong Hospital this evening - the third case to require a trip to hospital from Kata so far this weekend.
The girl required oxygen after being dragged from the water at Kata, which is south of Karon and Patong. A nine-year-old boy is already in Patong Hospital, and will be kept in overnight for observation after being rescued at Kata earlier today.
Yesterday a 21-year-old university student was admitted to Patong Hospital after she was also pulled from the water at Kata.
Frenchman Jean-Pierre Charles Dulary, 64, was in Patong Hospital briefly before being transferred to the better-equipped Vachira Hospital in Phuket City after being rescued at Patong beach on Monday.
He flew out yesterday accompanied by a doctor and nurse from a third Phuket hospital - Bangkok Hospital Phuket.
According to Phuket lifeguards, 64 people required rescue on Monday. As tomorrow is also a public holiday, they are concerned to remind swimmers to swim within the designated zones, where lifeguards are on duty.
UPDATE Three dead or missing on Phuket beaches in four days, and a French tourist fighting for life: Phuket's reputation as a safe year round beach destination fails the test.
Phuket Tourist's Body Washes Up: Frenchman Still in Coma, Fighting for Life
French Tourist Fights For Life: Day of Disasters
UPDATE One French tourist is fighting for his life in hospital, a Russian is stuck on an offshore rock, and two other Russians had a narrow escape from drowning.
French Tourist Fights For Life: Day of Disasters
Russian Tourist, Boy Dead at Phuket Beaches
Latest Two deaths at Phuket beaches inside 24 hours highlights once again the dangers in the water, with Russians especially needing rescue at two other beaches.
Russian Tourist, Boy Dead at Phuket Beaches
Phuket Jet-Ski Heroes Save Tourist from Drowning
Latest Jet ski operators at a popular Phuket beach have been credited with saving the life of a tourist from China who was lost off Patong for two hours.
Phuket Jet-Ski Heroes Save Tourist from Drowning
For Phuket's Sake, Remember Rebecca and Swim Safe
News Analysis The inquest on a young British holidaymaker who drowned on her first day in the surf on Phuket is told of her final moments. It's a tragedy that must not be repeated.
For Phuket's Sake, Remember Rebecca and Swim Safe
Wouldn't it be nice if one luxury hotel at each beach could sponsor a basic med pack with oxygen for use by lifeguards who are trained in its use.
The minutes of the 'Golden Hour' are ticking away each time someone needs transport to Patong, Phuket City or other hospitals.
In this case its an issue about equipment - education and personal/parental responsibility is another matter
Posted by Mister Ree on October 24, 2010 19:14