>>> THE AIRCRAFT

The Taupo-based Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter is a dedicated 24 hour, 7 day a week air ambulance.
Based at Taupo Airport it provides rapid response medical care to the Central Plateau community.

Eurocopter AS 350 B2 Helicopter (Squirrel)

European Design
Cruise Speed 120 Kts
600 km Range
Large cabin area, enabling medical care to be administered in flight
Flight Instruments to IFR Standards

Special Equipment

GPS Navigation with terrain map.
Auto Pilot
Full Medical Kit & Crew
Night Vision Goggles
Usually 1 Pilot, 1 Patient, 1 St John Ambulance Advanced Paramedic & 1 Paramedic Officer.
Night Sun 30 Million candle power light.
Winch or Long Line capability

Providing Rapid Response Expert Medical Care

A significant number of trauma patients die from treatable causes 1-2 hours after injury. Early resuscitation started as soon as possible gives the patient the best chance of survival.

With a fully equipped rescue helicopter bringing paramedic officers and or medical staff to the scene, resuscitation can begin sooner and continue throughout the return flight to hospital.

Flight Times from Taupo Base

Whakapapa 20 min
Turangi 10 min
Turoa 25 min
Taumarunui 22 min
Tokoroa 16 min
Murupara 18 min
Mangakino 14 min
Bennydale 19 min
Rotorua 19 min
Hamilton 35 min
Atiamuri 11 min
Napier 31 min
National Park 21 min