Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for fundraising and promotion of the North Island’s largest pool of community rescue helicopters.
Available through the emergency 111 call system, our rapid response rescue helicopters bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel, and trauma-trained Intensive Care Paramedics directly to the patient. The timely assistance that rescue helicopters provide can reduce disability and improve survival. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of patient recovery.
It could be you, or your loved ones that need us. Your support ensures that your rescue helicopter is available to your community.
April 4th started as another ordinary day in extraordinary lockdown on the Shearer family’s King Country property. Craig Shearer, a helicopter contractor, and his children Helena and Oliver were outside enjoying the weather and isolated freedom on their 3 acre block.
read more
An emergency trip to hospital in April was not the first for then six-week-old baby Harry, who at just nine days old was previously admitted to hospital for similar distressing unexplained symptoms.
read more
Nothing compares to holding your newborn in your arms for the first time – a moment of overwhelming joy. But the joy that Harry Ward’s parents experienced turned to trepidation, when, only 40 minutes later, Harry went into respiratory arrest and required resuscitation.
read more
We regretfully announce the postponement of the upcoming Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter Open Day scheduled to take place on Sunday 7 March at 10 am. In light of ongoing developments around the community outbreak of Covid-19 and following advice from our medical partners, this event is postponed until further notice.
read more
On the morning of February 27th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Rotorua Hospital for a male patient in his forties, suffering a serious cardiac condition. He was transported to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
read more
On Wednesday, February 24th, the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter attended to a male patient in his thirties in Dannevirke suffering a heart attack. The patient was treated at the scene and flown to Wellington Hospital for an immediate life-saving procedure.
read more