Big day out for emergency services

Emergency Services Day returned to Taupō this weekend.

The event was on Sunday at Kaimanawa Reserve in Taupō, and hundreds of people turned up for a look at the action.

A Search and Rescue dog in full protective gear is introduced to the public. Photo / Heather Mickelson

This year’s event had more of the district’s emergency first responders than ever.

Fire and Emergency cuts open a Nissan March to demonstrate how they extract people from crashed vehicles. Photo / Dan Hutchinson

There were displays from Fire and Emergency, NZ Police, Hato Hone St John, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, Lake Taupō Harbour Master, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard, and Civil Defence Taupō.

Children enjoyed activities like facepainting and a chance to get inside an ambulance or the rescue helicopter.

There were live demonstrations - including Fire and Emergency extracting a patient from a crushed car.

Greenlea Helicopter landed in Kaimanawa Reserve and a fundraising sausage sizzle was held to help it raise money towards a new winch for its new helicopter.

Taupō District Council’s road safety coordinator Sarah Wraight said it was a fun day out for the whole family and a reminder that people need to take responsibility for their safety.

“Whether that be driving on the road, at home or hiking in the bush. We can all play a part in being prepared and reducing accidents.”