Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter Roundup

Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter Roundup

The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter has had a very busy two weeks flying 9 missions and introducing into service a Bk117 helicopter. This involved training up crew members, StJohn Ambulance Para-Medics and and Police SAR Squad members in the use of the new rescue hoist system. HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) was also conducted for a range of crew members. Along with the training requirement the operational base was moved from The airport back to the hospital hangar.

The missions flown as follows;

Mon 20 An afternoon Search and Rescue mission for a man in the Tararua Ranges who was unable to walk out. He was located at Field Hut and recovered into the helicopter using the rescue hoist before being airlifted to safety.

Tue 21 A morning mission for a beacon search tasked by the Rescue Coordination Center after a beacon was detected on farmland near Taihape. An unused expired beacon had been inadvertently activated and was located on a rubbish pile, and was then deactivated. Immediately upon landing back at base, the helicopter was tasked to Otaki where a man in his 60's was suffering a medical emergency. He was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a serious condition.

Thu 23 A morning mission to Levin after a man suffered burns after a cooking accident. He was airlifted to the Hutt Hospital.

Sat 25 An evening mission to Eketahuna for a girl who sustained burns to her legs after a fall onto a fire. She was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital.

Sun 26 A morning mission to the Ruahine Ranges after the Rescue Coordination Center picked up a beacon activation East of Taihape. A group of trampers was located on the track near Iron Gate Hut. The on board St John advanced paramedic was lowered to the ground using the recue hoist to assess one of the group who was injured. A man in his 40's sustained a leg injury after he slipped. They were both recovered into the helicopter using the rescue hoist and airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.

Wed 29 A mission to Dannevirke for a man in his 60's who was suffering a medical emergency. He was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital.

Sat 02 A mission to a rural property near Oueroa, East of Waipukarau for a vehicle accident after a ute with 6 occupants rolled down a steep hill while duck hunting. Two

patients were airlifted to Hastings Hospital.

During the return to Palmerston North the Helicopter was further tasked to Rugby Park in Dannevirke where a 19 year old from Palmerston North had suffered a badly broken leg playing rugby and was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital.

ENDS

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