He became the first south-west resident to be airlifted in the region's new rescue helicopter. Late last night the man remained in a critical, but stable condition in The Alfred Hospital. The region's new ambulance helicopter was already at the accident scene when rescue crews freed the man.

The 79-year-old was driving a utility when it collided with a tree beside the Cobden-Port Campbell Road near Murfitts Road just after 11am.

He suffered life-threatening injuries.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the injured man was trapped for "quite some time" and was treated for multiple fractures including a broken leg and arm.

"The man also sustained chest injuries," Mr Mullen said.

State Emergency Service volunteers had to free the man from the wreckage while police and ambulance officers also attended the accident scene.

Cobden police Senior Constable Emmeline McKinnon had a busy day - she attended the accident after going to another single-vehicle accident at Boorcan about 3am yesterday.

A sedan driven by a man in his 50s left the Princes Highway, went through trees and rolled. The driver was taken to hospital at Camperdown with minor injuries.

Senior Constable McKinnon said that members of the public had provided great assistance to the injured people and police at both accident scenes.

"Members of the public stopped and assisted at both collisions. That assistance was greatly appreciated by the police, those involved and their families," she said.

The rescue helicopter has been involved in a number of exercises after becoming operational last week following a 13-year campaign for the region's own service.