The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter Undertakes 49 Life-Saving Missions In April

Scoop

19-05-2025

Press Release – Waikato Westpac Helicopter Rescue
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter carried out 49 life-saving missions across the Waikato, King Country, Coromandel, and surrounding regions throughout April. These missions included 20 inter-hospital transfers, 7 medical events, 4 rural/farm incidents, 5 motor vehicle accidents and 13 miscellaneous missions.
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was frequently seen in the Coromandel area performing medical related missions in locations such as Whitianga, Whangamata, Te Rerenga and Paeroa. It was also commonly dispatched for patient transfers, including 4 inter-hospital transfers from Waikato Hospital, 4 from Taumarunui, and 3 Rotorua Hospital.
The month began with the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter being dispatched in the early hours to Raglan, where a male was suffering from a serious medical event. The patient was treated on scene and flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care. Two additional missions were carried out later that day.
The following day, April 3rd, the rescue helicopter crew performed multiple missions, including one in Putaruru to assist a male in critical condition. The highly trained Critical Care Flight Paramedic performed a Sequence Intubation (RSI), an advanced airway management used in trauma, cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress situations. Once stabilised, the patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
On the morning of Saturday, April 5th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Rotorua Hospital for a female who had sustained serious injuries from a fall and required swift transportation to another hospital. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital for further care.
Two days later, on the afternoon of Monday, April 7th, the rescue helicopter was tasked to Matamata for a male who had sustained serious injuries in a fall. The patient was stabilised and airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
On the morning of Thursday, April 10th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Te Aroha for a female experiencing a serious cardiac event. The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic performed a Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) before airlifting her to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
In the early hours of the next morning, the rescue helicopter was tasked to Whangamata to assist a male experiencing a serious medical event. The patient was stabilised on scene and flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care.
After completing several missions in the afternoon, the crew was later tasked to Great Barrier Island Airfield for a male in critical condition. The patient was treated on scene for approximately 30 minutes before being airlifted to Auckland City Hospital for further treatment.
On Saturday evening, April 12th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Tokoroa for a male who had sustained injuries. He was airlifted to Waikato Hospital to receive further treatment.
On the afternoon of Monday, April 21st, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Mimi for a male who had sustained significant trauma injuries. The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic provided treatment before airlifting him to Waikato Hospital for further care.
That evening, the rescue helicopter flew to Rotorua Hospital after being dispatched to assist a female who was in serious condition. The patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
On Thursday afternoon, April 24th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Te Rerenga for a female who sustained serious injuries in a motor vehicle incident. The patient was treated on scene and once stabilised, was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further care.
On Monday morning, April 28th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew to Whitianga after being dispatched to assist a male experiencing a serious medical event. He was stabilised on scene before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
The month concluded with the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter being dispatched in the early hours of Tuesday morning, April 29th, to Gisborne Hospital for a male suffering from a medical event. He was swiftly flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care.
The fast response of the rescue helicopter and its highly trained crew ensures the patients receive the best care as quickly as possible. Because you never know when you'll need us… Donate to your Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter at https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/waikato-westpac-rescue-helicopter/donate