It has been a busy start to the year for rescue choppers and crews across the Central North Island. During the summer and holiday period the Philips Search and Rescue trust fleet and crew see an increase of injury and incident due to the summer and outdoor activities many seem to undertake during the period.
Wed, January 1st, 2014: The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Kawhia at 3am for a 39yr old Te Kuiti man who reportedly fell down the stairs at the Kawhia Boat club. He suffered a head injury.
At 5am they flew to Raglan for a 41 yr old New Plymouth woman who had reportedly fell over a brazier and suffered serious burns to her lower leg. Both patients were treated by very patient St John staff before being flown and were admitted to Waikato ED. Both were reportedly, under the influence of alcohol.
And the Tauranga based Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter was called out to a boat 1nm off the south coast of Motiti Is where a 41 year old Tauranga man had got into difficulties while diving with friends. The man was under resusitation when the helicopter arrived on scene, a Intensive care St John paramedic was lowered onto the boat using the Port of Tauranga rescue winch, sadly the man had passed away. It is not known what caused the man to become unwell or get into difficulty.
Thu, January 2nd, 2014: The Tauranga based Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter was called to Waihau Bay where a 16 year old Auckland girl had fallen from a 4 wheeler motorbike while riding along a road, she received head and neck injuries as a result. She was stabilised at the scene by St John ambulance staff before being flown to Tauranga hospital in a moderate condition.
Thu, January 2nd, 2014: On Thursday afternoon the Tauranga based Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter was called to assist in the search for a missing fisherman, the man had been fishing from the Kauri point wharf when he ended up in the water. The helicopter searched for 40 minutes before being stood down. For more information call Katikati Police.
Thu, January 2nd, 2014: The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was tasked to assist Palmerston North Police Search and Rescue after they were alerted to a group of trampers who were overdue from returning from their tramping trip. The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter assisted in searching for the missing party of 5 with a Levin SAR member and a paramedic on board, they located the group at Penn Creek Hut on Thursday evening. Volunteers from Horowhenua LandSAR were on standby to walk into the area if the helicopter had not found them. The group were all well and in good spirits. A satellite communication device such as a SPOT or inReach would have enabled the group to advise their contacts that they were ok, but running late, and of their location.
Thu, January 2nd, 2014: The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called out to Port Waikato on Thursday, to retrieve a 30 year old female who suffered the effects of a near-drowning, when she was caught and rolled in heavy surf while swimming. She ingested some sea water, and also complained of neck and shoulder injuries. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital for treatment.
Thu, January 2nd, 2014: At approximately 0730 Thursday morning emergency services were notified of a serious accident involving one vehicle on the Napier – Taupo highway, east of Tarawera. The vehicle had gone over a 20 metre bank and was believed to contain several occupants. The Taupo based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter assisted Hawkes Bay Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter at the scene.
Fri, January 3rd, 2014: At 2.30 pm Friday afternoon the Rotorua based BayTrust rescue helicopter was despatched along with an ambulance to Ataimuri, South of Rotorua. A 14 year old Hastings girl had sustained suspected spinal injures as the result of a fall whilst involved in water activities.
Sat, January 4th, 2014: The Taupo based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was called to transport a seriously injured female driver following a serious crash at the intersection of Oruanui Road and State Highway 1.