Opossum trapper unaware emergency beacon activated

Tuesday 5 July, 2016

An opossum trapper in the Raukumara Ranges, 135km south east of Rotorua, was unaware his emergency beacon had been activated.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) received a signal emitted from the beacon and tasked the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter to respond yesterday morning at 10.00am.

The tracking mission was made extremely difficult due to the beacon emitting a weak signal and the man continuing to move through rough terrain on a quad bike, unaware his emergency beacon was transmitting a distress signal.

He was eventually located an hour later, safe and well.

We Need You

Your support ensures rescue helicopters are available to your community.
Your rescue helicopter can be airborne in 10 minutes and, in a life or death situation, this speed and agility can make all the difference. The timely assistance that rescue helicopters provide can reduce disability and improve survival – the sooner treatment begins, the greater chance of patient recovery.

We are partially funded by a government contract with National Ambulance Sector Office (NASO). We rely heavily on the generosity of sponsors and the community to help fund the shortfall that allows us to be rescue ready 24/7, 365 days of the year. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopter can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel, and intensive care paramedics directly to the patient.

Without your support, your rescue helicopter would not be able to remain operational on a 24/7, 365 day a year basis. This could mean a serious delay in people being rescued or transported to hospital for urgent treatment.

Support your rescue helicopter and make a lifesaving difference.

Saving Lives, Together.

Opossum trapper unaware emergency beacon activated

We Need You

Sign up to our newsletter