SunLive – September: Rescue helicopter completes 44 missions

The Aerocool rescue helicopter has once again demonstrated its vital role in the Bay of Plenty area by successfully completing 44 rescue missions throughout September.

These missions covered a wide range of medical emergencies, demonstrating the helicopter’s rapid response capabilities and the experience of its dedicated crew.

There have been numerous incidents this month, including 20 hospital transfers, six medical emergencies, 12 rural and farm incidents, three road traffic incidents and three miscellaneous calls.

The helicopter presence was prominent at local hospitals, with the highest number of interhospital transfers occurring at Whakatane Hospital (7), followed by Tauranga Hospital (6) and Rotorua Hospital (5).

The crew’s reach extended to remote locations, carrying out missions to the Matakana Islands, Motiti Islands, Rangiveea Islands and other challenging terrain. These missions highlight the role of the helicopter not only in urban environments, but also in providing emergency assistance to residents of isolated communities.

Known cases

Several key missions stood out in September:

– 1 September: The month began with a dispatch to the Paeroa area where a man in his 30s suffered serious lacerations after a fall. The crew quickly transported him to Tauranga Hospital for further treatment, demonstrating the helicopter’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

– September 2: Later that evening, a helicopter was called to Rotorua Hospital for a woman in her 70s who had suffered a serious illness. The patient was rushed to Waikato Hospital so she could receive the emergency care she needed.

– 6 September: A critical incident occurred when a helicopter was sent to Hicks Bay for a man in his 80s suffering from a serious medical condition. Thanks to the quick actions of the crew, he was transported to Whakatane Hospital in time for the necessary treatment.

– September 7: A teenage girl in a car crash in Waiotahi needed emergency treatment. A helicopter quickly rushed her to Tauranga Hospital, highlighting the service’s crucial role in road accidents.

– September 19: A remarkable rescue operation was carried out off the coast of Tauranga to rescue a man in his 30s who required medical attention in a remote area. An on-board critical care paramedic was winched down to provide immediate assistance before both were taken to Tauranga Hospital.

The month ended with the transfer to Whakatane Hospital of a man who suffered fractures in a bicycle accident, demonstrating the ongoing need for rapid medical transport in a variety of scenarios.

Aerocool rescue helicopter. Photo: Attached.

Community influence

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter is part of the larger Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT), which provides vital aviation and rescue services throughout New Zealand. The fund, funded by community support and donations, allows the helicopter service to operate at no cost to the public and without guilt.

An expert crew of experienced pilots, paramedics, doctors and flight nurses work in tandem to ensure patients receive the highest level of medical care en route to hospitals. In life or death situations, the speed and maneuverability of an Aerocool rescue helicopter can make all the difference.

Background to the creation of the Aerocool rescue helicopter

The Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for raising funds and promoting the North Island’s largest public helicopter fleet.

PSRT was founded in 1985 following a donation from Philips New Zealand Limited in memory of the light aircraft crash near Turanga in which two Philips employees were killed.

Including a fleet of rescue helicopters, the service provides sanitation and rescue services to the public free of charge and without guilt. Rapid response is ensured by an experienced team of pilots, crew members, paramedics, doctors, flight nurses and specialists. In a life-or-death situation, it is this speed and agility that can make all the difference so that patients can receive care en route to a medical facility.

Philips Search & Rescue Trust fundraising for and support:

Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Waikato, King Country, Coromandel

Aerocool rescue helicopter, offshore Bay of Plenty

Greenlee Rescue Helicopter, Lake Area, Central Plateau

Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, Manawatu, Whanganui

Call support

As demand for emergency services continues to grow, Aerocool Rescue Helicopter relies on the generosity of the community to maintain its operations and expand its capabilities. The Philips Search and Rescue Foundation actively encourages donations to support essential helicopter rescue equipment.

“Every contribution helps us prepare for future missions and ensures that we can continue to provide timely medical care to those in need,” a foundation spokesperson said.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter remains an essential resource for the Bay of Plenty region, providing critical medical support in emergency situations. As the organization continues to respond to life-threatening situations, community involvement and support is critical to its continued success and ability to save lives.

To donate and support Aerocool Rescue Helicopter’s rescue work, visit the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter Donation website.

For more information about the rescue and its activities, visit rescue.org.nz or follow the organization on social media such as Facebook and Instagram.