A very special 21st birthday surprise

On 19 September 2004, her mum Alicia went into early labour. She was rushed to the district hospital in Collie, but doctors decided she needed to be transferred to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) in Perth.

Alicia was just 24 weeks into her pregnancy and experiencing a sudden onset of contractions. She was around 200 kilometres away from the facilities needed to care for her and her baby. Due to the urgency, hospital staff arranged for her to be flown to Perth via the RAC Rescue helicopter.

The call came in at 5:35pm. By 5:50pm, the RAC Rescue crew was airborne and heading to Collie. When they landed, they were met by a local ambulance crew who transferred Alicia on board.

About halfway into the flight, as Alicia’s contractions intensified, the crew realised they were about to deliver a baby at more than 4000 feet. At just 24 weeks, and in the confined space of the helicopter, the challenge facing the two Critical Care Paramedics was immense.

Remarkably, Skye was born between Collie and Perth near Serpentine, weighing just 575 grams and arriving three months ahead of schedule.

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Critical Care Paramedics Roland Eagleton and Mike Ficko, Pilot Lincoln Gabel, and an RAC Rescue Air Crew Officer, both Skye and Alicia arrived safely at SCGH at 7:35pm that night.

More than 20 years later, in the lead-up to Skye’s 21st birthday, Alicia contacted the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) with a special request — could Skye meet the crew who helped save her life?

On 19 September 2025 — Skye’s 21st birthday — that reunion finally happened.

Alicia and Skye were reunited with Roland, Lincoln and Mike. Mike still had vivid memories of the rescue. “She was so small, incredibly small, and the equipment we had on board was for a full-term baby, so we had to adapt the equipment.”

Skye was overwhelmed to finally meet the people who saved her life. “It’s been amazing to meet them. I shouldn’t even be here, but I am. This is the best birthday present ever.”

To this day, Skye remains the only baby ever born on an RAC Rescue helicopter.

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