Baby born in RAC Rescue helicopter reunites with crew

For her daughter’s 21st birthday, Alicia Wells arranged a surprise like no other – a visit to the place where her life began: the RAC Rescue helicopter.

On 19 September 2004, Alicia went into premature labour in Collie – a town in WA’s South West 213 kilometres from Perth. After being assessed at Collie Hospital, doctors determined she needed urgent specialist care in Perth.

The Perth-based RAC Rescue helicopter was enroute to Collie at 5:50pm, where upon landing they collected Alicia for transfer to Sir Charles Garder Hospital.

But before they arrived at the hospital, she gave birth onboard the helicopter.

The helicopter landed at 7:35pm with Alicia and her baby girl – born at just 24 weeks and weighing only 575 grams.

Her early arrival came with enormous challenges including life-threatening infections, brain haemorrhages and three months in hospital. But against the odds she was finally discharged, with a name as fitting as her incredible story – Skye.

More than two decades later, and on the day of her 21st birthday, Alicia brought Skye back to meet most of the flight crew who helped bring her safely into the world: Pilot Lincoln Gabel and Critical Care Paramedics Roland Eagleton and Michael Ficko.

From Victoria, South Australia and Albany — the crew travelled from afar for the chance to reunite with Alicia and Skye.

The reunion was especially meaningful for Roland who, alongside Michael, delivered Skye in the back of the then Bell 412EP RAC Rescue helicopter.

He travelled across from Victoria, where he now works with Ambulance Victoria. It’s the first time he’s been back to Perth in over 17 years.

“It’s so nice to have a positive outcome and even if it’s 21-years after the fact, seeing her and seeing how well she’s grown up – I can go back to Victoria knowing she’s got a good life ahead of her.”

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The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by DFES and sponsored by RAC.

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