The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the scene of a van versus motorbike crash, on Te Aroha-Gordon Road, just south of Te Aroha, this afternoon.
It is reported the motorcyclist lost control after the two vehicles clipped each other. The rider, a man in his 50’s ended up in a ditch on the side of the road, sustaining compression injuries to his chest.
He was flown to Waikato Hospital for treatment. The helicopter was utilised as time was a critical factor in the man’s survival.
About Philips Search and Rescue
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:
Waikato 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 on life-saving missions your donations help fund:
Heart attack in Matarangi
Four vehicle crash, Putaruru
Waihi Beach medical emergency
