Man airlifted from bush after dislocating hip

Westpac Resue Helicopter. File photo / NZPA

An Ashburton man had to be airlifted from a bush walkway after dislocating his hip when he bent to adjust his shoe.

Brian Sivier was rescued by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter on Mt Somers walkway last Tuesday.

"Six years ago, I had a replacement hip, and this is the first time I've had trouble with it," he said.

Mr Sivier collapsed in pain by the river side and went into shock.

"I've never had a broken leg, but I'd imagine [the pain is] very similar."

He and his wife Carole were only three hours into the two-day walk when the accident happened.

"Our mobiles didn't work. We should've upgraded our phones to get GPS."

Mrs Sivier left her husband and found another couple who ran back to the start of the track and notified emergency services.

In her haste to get back to her ghusband, she also had a fall - luckily it wasn't serious.

"I was so anxious to get back to Brian that I lost my footing," she said.

After being winched to safety and taken to Christchurch Hospital, the Siviers were grateful to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

"We're giving them a donation and I want to give them a present. The pilot and two paramedics wanted a chocolate cake. Well, if that's what they want we'll buy them the biggest chocolate cake in New Zealand," Mr Sivier said.