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THE SQUARE TRUST RESCUE HELICOPTER
The Philips Search and Rescue Trust has operated the rescue
helicopter in the Palmerston North region since October
1991. The current principal sponsor is The Square Trust,
a Palmerston North-based gaming machine charitable trust,
hence the name The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter.
To date the helicopter and its expert crew have performed
over 4500 missions. The service continues to make a very
real impact in improving the outcome for members of our
community who are unfortunate enough to suffer serious illness
or injury.
The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter performs around 500
missions per year. A mix of ambulance, inter-hospital transfers
and Police work makes up these jobs. The unique properties
of the AS 350 B2 Squirrel helicopter to respond quickly
and easily to emergencies is a real asset. The thing that
makes our service so special and that touches the lives
of our community is the people. Our team is made up of Pilots,
Paramedics, Flight Nurses and Police who work and train
hard to ensure the best level of service is delivered. The
community, service groups and local businesses that support
the service with donations of time, money, goods and services
make this work possible.
Hangar
The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter is situated on the Palmerston
North Hospital grounds, resulting in only a short stretcher
journey between the helipad and hospital. The hangar and
office facility was built in 1992, sponsored by the Middle
District Lions, constructed by the New Zealand Army and
designed by Worley Consultants. A large number of local
businesses contributed to the construction and building
of the hangar and a board acknowledging them is situated
inside the hangar.
Region
The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter operates from Palmerston
North to all points throughout the Manawatu, Wanganui, Horowhenua
regions, providing fast transport to the major hospitals in
Palmerston North and Wanganui.