A LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew winched a white-bearded, elderly man to safety this morning, after his wife reported him missing from his North Pole home.
The rescue crew, tasked by the logistics elves in C3 (Christmas Communication Centre), was told to search for a rosy-cheeked man dressed in a red suit, black boots and a red and white hat.
The portly man was believed to be in the company of nine large animals with antlers when he went missing.
The aeromedical team headed out at first light. Not long after taking off, the LifeFlight Aircrew Officer spotted a bright red figure slumped over a sleigh.
The aeromedical crew lowered the winch cable down to the man.
After a few minutes, he was winched up into the rescue helicopter and was heard humming ‘Jingle Bells’ as he was fastened into his seatbelt.
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The LifeFlight Critical Care Doctor said everyone in the helicopter immediately felt a festive cheer.
“Our rescue crews love the feeling of saving lives in the air, all day, every day,” she said.
“But there was certainly a heightened frivolity and contagious cheery vibe felt by the entire team while we were in the company of this elderly gentleman.”
The aeromedical crew performed a second winch to retrieve a sack bursting with gifts.
The LifeFlight pilot flew the man, who was in a jolly condition, to a clearing where the nine large animals were patiently waiting for him.
As the rescue crew flew off to another mission, they heard a hearty, “Ho, Ho, Ho”.
