A driver suffered a medical episode on the Great Western Highway this morning [August 26) before travelling across several lanes and rolling his car.
According to a CareFlight helicopter spokesperson the Faulconbridge man was driving west on the highway at Wentworth Falls shortly before 8.30am when he suffered a medical episode, drove across multiple lanes and rolled his car.
The driver, 39, sustained suspected head and spinal injuries from the impact. "He was able to self-extricate from the vehicle", the spokesperson said.
The Mounties Care CareFlight Helicopter was called for emergency help by NSW Ambulance just before 8.30am and landed 20 minutes later on the Blue Mountains Grammar School oval. NSW Ambulance paramedics provided initial treatment for the man at the scene of the incident and then drove him to meet CareFlight's clinical team.
CareFlight's specialist doctor and NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic performed a clinical assessment on the man, including an ultrasound, and undertook spinal precautions.
Blue Mountains Police crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Scott McAlpine said the driver was heading west at the time of the accident.
"For unknown reasons, he veered to the left of the road ...at some point, the vehicle has overturned onto its roof."
The accident happened near the Scott Avenue, Leura turnoff. There was extensive damage to the car, the airbags were deployed, Inspector McAlpine said.
"Witnesses stopped along the side of the road to assist the driver who was still in the vehicle. Witnesses contacted emergency services.
"A short time later, police arrived along with paramedics and the driver was airlifted to Westmead Hospital, condition considered not serious at this stage."
CareFlight's clinical team provided ongoing treatment for the man as he was airlifted in a stable condition to Westmead Hospital with intensive care monitoring.
