>>> THE CREW

Dan Harcourt

Base Manager / Pilot

Dan joined the air ambulance service in March 2004, after spending five years flying in Queensland and Western Australia. Dan holds helicopter and fixed wing licences in both New Zealand and Australia. He has had a variety of flying experience starting with venison recovery in South Westland and crewing for CHC Scotia Helicopters in Scotland. He then moved to Cairns working in the Torres Straights for Australian Helicopters on their surveillance contract with the Australian Customs Service. Dan went cattle mustering in the North-West of Western Australia for four years, working for Gogo Station, Heliwork WA and Rossy Rotor Aviation. Dan reached 2500 hours helicopter experience and then gained his Instrument Rating, before joining the team at Taupo's Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter base.

 

>>> CREW MEMBERS

The Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter crew members are supplied on a contract basis from St John Ambulance and NZ Police.

On all accident work the air ambulance service utilises paramedics from St John Ambulance to respond to emergencies in the field. These paramedics are readily available to respond to accidents and emergencies in the pre-hospital environment.

Search and rescue missions require the use of trained Police members. They often operate the long-line and winch and are very good observers in searches. 

In all cases the medical and paramedic crew are specifically trained to perform their duties in and around the helicopter, and in most cases will be trained in familiarisation, long-line and winching.