On Saturday at 5.30pm, the Rotorua-based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter was tasked to a remote area near the Te Urwera township of Ruatahuna (east of Rotorua) for an 86-year-old local woman who suffered a serious medical event.
The St. John flight paramedic began immediate treatment upon arrival and was assisted by an ambulance crew despatched from Murupara.. Once the patient was stabilised tshe was then airlifted to Rotorua Hospital in a serious condition.
The helicopter was used due to the remote location and the time critical nature of the woman’s condition.
About Philips Search and Rescue Trust
Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for the North Island’s largest pool of community helicopters. PSRT was founded in 1985 after an endowment by Philips New Zealand Limited to mark a light aircraft accident near Turangi in which two Philips personnel lost their lives.
Encompassing six rescue helicopters and two fixed-wing planes, the service provides air health and rescue services free of charge to the public on a no-fault basis. The rapid response is powered by an expert crew of pilots, paramedics, flight nurses, Police and volunteer crewmen. In a life and death situation it is this speed and agility that can make all the difference, with patients able to receive medical treatment whilst en route to a medical facility.
Philips Search & Rescue Trust operates:
Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Waikato King Country
Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter, Bay of Plenty
BayTrust Rescue Helicopter, Rotorua – Bay of Plenty
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, Taupo – Central Plateau
Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter, Manawatu – Whanganui
Westpac Air Ambulance (Fixed wing), Nationwide
More life-saving rescues your donations help fund
Tramper winched from Orokawa Bay
Three rescue helicopters required for MVA
Life threatening injuries in Te Kaha
