Busy start for rescue chopper
The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter puts on a demonstration at the recent Emergency Services Day in Taupō.
It’s been a busy start to the year for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
The service carried out 50 missions in February across the Central Plateau.
In its latest summary, the service reported it carried out 23 hospital transfers, five medical emergencies, 12 rural incidents, three motor vehicle accidents, and seven miscellaneous missions.
So far it has done 18 more missions in the first two months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024 – a 21% increase.
One of the hotspots last month was the Tongariro National Park and Alpine Crossing, to which the rescue helicopter crew went four times.
The month started off with the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter being dispatched to Taupō Hospital for a female who was experiencing a time-critical medical event. The patient was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital with a flight time of approximately 20 minutes.
February 3: The helicopter was needed in Taupō for a patient that was experiencing a life-threatening medical event. The patient was treated by the onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic for about 45 minutes before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
February 5: Went to Oturere Hut for a female who injured her leg while walking. She was airlifted to Taupō Hospital.
February 8: Sent to Pureora Timber Trail for a male who was injured in a fall. He was treated on scene for about 20 minutes before being airlifted to Rotorua Hospital.
February 9: Off to Tongariro National Park for a female who was in a life-threatening condition following a motor vehicle accident. She was treated on scene for about 30 minutes before she was stable enough to be airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
February 13: Dispatched to Ruatoki for a patient who was in critical condition. The patient was treated on scene for about an hour by the onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic before airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
February 15: Dispatched to Tūrangi for a patient who was in critical condition. The patient was treated on scene before being flown to Rotorua Hospital.
February 16: Sent to Rotorua Hospital for a female who was experiencing a serious medical condition. She was transported to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
February 17: Tasked to Whakapapa Village for a male who was in critical condition. The patient was treated on scene before being flown to Rotorua Hospital.
February 20: Dispatched to Te Kuiti for a female who sustained serious injuries following a motor vehicle accident. She was treated on scene and airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
February 23: Flew to Aria to assist a male who had sustained significant injuries following a fall while motorbiking. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital.
February 27: Sent to Tūrangi for a male who sustained burn injuries. The patient was treated by the onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic for about 30 minutes before being airlifted to Taupō Hospital.
The month came to an end with the crew dispatched to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for a female who sustained injuries after a fall while hiking. She was flown to Taupō Hospital.
The fast response of the rescue helicopter and its highly trained crew ensures the patients receive the best care as quickly as possible. Donate to your Greenlea Rescue Helicopter today to double your impact - https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/greenlea-rescue-helicopter/donate