Sunday 1 April was busy for the crew of the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
The rescue helicopter was first dispatched at 9.30 am to the scene of a multi-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 29 near Hinuera.
Three cars were involved with several people receiving injures. A 21-year-old female passenger received multiple injuries and was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Upon return, the rescue helicopter was dispatched once again to Whakatane Hospital to airlift a 76-year-old Opotiki woman suffering a cardiac condition. She was flown to Waikato Hospital for treatment.
Whilst still in flight to Waikato from the Whakatane Hospital, the rescue helicopter was notified of a serious motor vehicle accident near Taumarunui.
The Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the scene was able to airlift the patient and meet the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter who flew in a specialist medical team. A 45-year-old man was then airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.