The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Ohope beach at 2:30pm yesterday where a 85 year old male was gardening at his home and slipped and fell.
The man fell approximately 20 metres down a steep bank. Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) initially responded and climbed down to the patient but were unable to retrieve him. A FENZ high angle rescue team were then dispatched from Hamilton, flown by the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter winched a paramedic down using the Port Of Tauranga Winch.
With the help of the FENZ team the patient was winched into the helicopter. He received a shoulder injury and lacerations and was taken to Whakatane Hospital for assessment.
Both rescue helicopter teams were then tasked north of Opotiki where a 63 year old male suffered a serious medical event that required immediate treatment.
He was flown to Tauranga Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
