Brazilian rescuers lifted a helicopter into the air to deliver a patient on time for a kidney transplant (6 photos + 1 video)

Luck is an insidious thing: today your sandwich falls flat on its face, and tomorrow you unexpectedly win the lottery. For the hero of our story, Ricardo, luck eventually turned around that day, although at first it seemed that it was in a completely different place...





September 23 was warm and sunny. It was a beautiful day to go hiking in the Serra doz Organç National Park, one of the largest in Brazil.

The Serra Doz Organs Nature Reserve is an amazing creation of nature, reaching an altitude of approximately 2300 meters above sea level. Many locals and tourists visit it to admire the breathtaking views and hike the mountain trails. The Pedra do Sino trail is known to be one of the most difficult.

Ricardo was on a challenging mountain hike when he received a call that changed his life



Ricardo Medeiros de Oliveira decided to spend Saturday hiking this particular trail. Due to kidney problems, Ricardo was forced to undergo regular dialysis for many years, a procedure that negatively affects the body. However, he strives to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to improve his health and prepare for the adventures he hoped for after his transplant.

Many people wait years for an organ transplant. While for some it is a life-saving procedure, for others it is life-ending. A donor organ must be a perfect match to be viable, and Ricardo waited nine long years to receive one.





He received a call that a compatible kidney was waiting for him in Juiz de Fora, Minas General. Once a kidney is received, it must be transferred to the recipient as quickly as possible to have the best chance of a successful operation. A maximum of three hours is allotted for this, and during this time the patient must get to the hospital and prepare for the operation. Every minute is precious!

The clock was ticking, and there was no chance that Ricardo would make it in time - he was stuck in the middle of the mountains, and the difficult terrain for movement did not allow him to quickly return on foot. Ricardo was beginning to despair that he might miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That's when first responders from Rio rushed to help. The service is known for sparing no effort when it comes to saving lives.

After 9 years on the waiting list, Ricardo was informed that there was a suitable kidney for him.



In a blockbuster-like operation, every available resource was mobilized to rescue Ricardo. Of course, he was not in immediate danger, but this operation would have saved his life and improved the quality of it. Who knows how long he would have to wait again if he missed this chance.

Ten rescuers and two helicopters were immediately sent to complete the difficult task. It was not just flying back and forth - the operation required precise technique, dexterity and quick reactions from the rescue team. They behaved like real guardian angels. Everything went smoothly and Ricardo reached the hospital in less than two hours. The kidney transplant was successful and the man is recovering quickly.

The operation had to be done within three hours, and Ricardo could not get there in time



Organ donation is not something we like to think about. This topic makes many people uncomfortable for various reasons, such as religious beliefs or fear of death. However, it shouldn't be taboo - one organ donor can save and change the lives of eight people. The liver, kidneys and even the cornea can be transferred to other people.

In an ideal world, there would be no loss or death at all. Unfortunately, in reality, something unexpected can happen and life can end in the blink of an eye. But our legacy will live on in the memories of the people who love us, in our contributions to the world, and if we choose to become organ donors, it can live on in others, guaranteeing them healthier lives. There are many touching stories, such as parents listening to their dead son's heart beat in the chest of a transplant recipient.

Rio's emergency services mobilized all available resources to help Ricardo. He made it to the hospital in less than 3 and two hours



This remarkable rescue operation not only saved Ricardo's life, but also demonstrated the selfless heroism displayed by first responders. They rushed to the man's aid, recognizing the importance of time and giving him the gift of life that under other circumstances he might have missed.