The Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Mt Ruapehu at 3pm yesterday after 48-year-old female climber fell and broke her arm. The climber called 111 on her mobile phone and a ski patrol member climbed to her position and administered First Aid until the helicopter arrived.
Pilot Todd Dunham said “The helicopter with two Landsar RARO (Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisnation) members retrieved her from 8’000 feet on a steep slope above the ski field and flew her down to the Iwikau landing zone where St John paramedics stabilised her.”
The patient was then flown to Rotorua hospital for further treatment.
The helicopter was tasked to complete this mission due to the high altitude of the incident and inaccessibility of the location.
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