Latest news with #RescueHelicopter
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
3 dead in Australia after torrential rain ravages rural towns
A woman holds a bag at a flooded house as she is rescued by a rescue personnel in Pampoolah, New South Wales, Australia, May 21, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a handout video. Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter/Handout via REUTERS SYDNEY, Australia - Flash flooding on Australia's southeast coast has killed three people and cut off towns, isolating tens of thousands of residents, as officials on Thursday warned more downpours were expected over the next 24 hours. Major flooding hit several rural towns in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, with most of the Mid North Coast region facing further heavy rainfall through Thursday. Police said the body of a 63-year-old man was found in a flooded home near Taree, more than 300 km (186 miles) north of Sydney, while another body believed to be that of a missing man aged in his 30s had been discovered in flood waters on the Mid North Coast. The body of a 60-year-old woman was also found in her vehicle west of Coffs Harbour, police said. The woman had been cautioned against driving through the floods by an officer late on Wednesday, before becoming trapped and calling for help. Emergency services were unable to locate her in time. Police said they were still searching for a missing man. "This natural disaster has been terrible for this community," New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said during a media briefing. "There's 140 flood warnings, 50,000 people are in the range where they have been asked to prepare to evacuate and could be isolated, and there's been 9,500 properties in the direct vicinity. So, we're far from out of the woods here." More than 100 schools were closed on Thursday, while thousands of properties remained without power. Cundletown in the Mid North Coast has been entirely cut off by floods, said Nicole Sammut, a nurse caring for 67 elderly residents at an aged care home, which is also being used as a shelter by emergency teams. "I came to work on Tuesday and haven't left," Sammut told Reuters. "We are up on a hill but behind us is all water. We are isolated. I've never seen the water this high." The Manning River in nearby Taree had exceeded a 100-year-old flood record, emergency authorities said. Sherinah Peck was evacuated at 2 a.m. on Wednesday from her farmhouse on the river, but her belongings were swept away, with some furniture later washing up on the coast. As she searched Old Bar beach on Thursday, strewn with debris and dead and lost livestock, for a treasured bicycle that belonged to her late mother, Peck was knocked over by a cow and injured, she said. "The cow was distressed - a wave came. I had to scramble up the sand," she told Reuters. More heavy rain A slow-moving coastal trough has dumped about four months of rain over the past two days, cutting off entire towns and stranding residents on roofs and the second floors of their homes, as rescuers struggle to access the area by boat or air. Minns apologised to people who had to wait for several hours for rescue crews, but assured efforts had been ramped up with 2,500 emergency services personnel being deployed. Around 590 flood rescues had been carried out, dozens of them by helicopter, NSW Police said. The helicopters have also been directing more boat rescues. "Some significant rescues have been made but unfortunately we have lost a number of lives," Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said in a press conference. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology forecast that some areas could receive up to 200 mm (8 inches) of rain through Friday, triggering life-threatening flash flooding, before the weather system is expected to weaken and track south towards Sydney. — Reuters
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
5 vehicle accidents among Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter missions in April
On April 3, the rescue helicopter crew performed multiple missions, including one in Putāruru to assist a male in critical condition. The critical care flight paramedic performed a rapid sequence intubation (RSI), an advanced airway management used in trauma, cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress situations. The patient was stabilised and then airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On April 5, the helicopter was dispatched to Rotorua Hospital for a female who had sustained serious injuries from a fall and required swift transportation to another hospital. She was flown to Waikato Hospital for further care. Two days later, 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 April 10, the helicopter was dispatched to Te Aroha for a female experiencing a serious cardiac event. The onboard critical care flight paramedic performed an RSI before the woman was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. The next morning, the rescue helicopter was tasked to Whangamatā to assist a male experiencing a serious medical event. The patient was stabilised on scene and flown to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. After completing several missions in the afternoon, the crew was later sent to Great Barrier Island Airfield for a male in critical condition. The patient was treated on scene for about 30 minutes before being airlifted to Auckland City Hospital. On April 12, 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 April 21, the 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 April 24, the 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 April 28, the helicopter flew to Whitianga 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 on April 29 to Gisborne Hospital for a male suffering from a medical event. He was flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care. Meanwhile, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, which services the Central Plateau and Lakes region, carried out 30 missions throughout April. Among those were 13 inter-hospital transfers, two medical events, 10 rural/farm incidents and three motor vehicle accidents. The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was most often seen in Taupō and Rotorua, but also completed missions in remote locations including Mt Ruapehu, Ruatahuna and Wairakei.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter Undertakes 49 Life-Saving Missions In April
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
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Undertakes 30 Life-saving Missions In April
Press Release – Greenlea Rescue Helicopter The month began with the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter being dispatched to Taupo Hospital for a female who had sustained injuries. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter carried out 30 life-saving missions across the Central Plateau and Lakes region throughout April. These missions included 13 inter-hospital transfers, 2 medical events, 10 rural/farm incidents, 3 motor vehicle accident, and 2 miscellaneous missions. The rescue helicopter was most often seen in Taupo, completing 5 inter-hospital transfers, as well as in Rotorua, where the crew performed 5 inter-hospital transfers. Additionally, the rescue helicopter crew were spotted in remote locations such as Mount Ruapehu, Ruatahuna and Wairakei to name a few. The month began with the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter being dispatched to Taupo Hospital for a female who had sustained injuries. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. The following morning, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Tongariro National Park to assist a male who was suffering from a medical event. The patient was flown to Taupo Hospital for further medical care. Later that morning, the rescue helicopter flew to Matapu for a male who had sustained significant injuries following a motor vehicle accident. The patient was treated on scene for approximately 40 minutes by the onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic before being to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On Sunday afternoon, April 6th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Taumarunui Hospital for a male who was experiencing a serious medical event. The patient was stabilised and airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On Wednesday morning, April 9th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Ruatahuna for a male who was experiencing a medical event. The patient was flown to Rotorua Hospital for further treatment after being stabilised on scene by the Critical Care Flight Paramedic. On Friday afternoon, April 11th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter flew to Erua for a female who had sustained serious injuries after a fall from a quad bike. The patient was treated on scene and then airlifted to Taupo Hospital for further treatment. The next evening, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Kawakawa Bay for a female who was experiencing a medical event. The patient was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital to receive further medical treatment. On Monday morning, April 14th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Rotorua Hospital for a female who was suffering from a serious medical condition. The patient was flown swiftly to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, April 16th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Murupata for a male who was in serious condition. The patient was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital for further treatment. On Sunday afternoon, April 20th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Taumarunui Hospital for a female who was experiencing a serious medical event. The patient was treated and airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On Thursday afternoon, April 24th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Taupo Airport for a male who had sustained injuries following a significant fall down a 3m bank. The patient was airlifted swiftly to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. Later that afternoon, the rescue helicopter flew to Rotorua Hospital for a male who was experiencing a medical condition. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital to receive further treatment. On Friday afternoon, April 25th, the rescue helicopter flew to Rotorua Hospital for a male who had sustained injuries after falling from a significant height (3m). The patient was airlifted swiftly to Waikato Hospital to receive further care. That evening, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Rotorua Hospital for a male who was suffering a medical condition. The patient was transported to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On Saturday afternoon, April 26th, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Wairakei Forest for a male who sustained injuries after a mountain biking accident. The patient was treated and airlifted to Taupo Airport for further medical care. The month concluded with the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter being dispatched to Waihaha for a female who sustained significant injuries following a motor vehicle accident. The patient was treated on scene for approximately one hour before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. 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 Greenlea Rescue Helicopter rescue-helicopter/donate
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter Undertakes 49 Life-Saving Missions In April
Press Release – Waikato Westpac Helicopter Rescue 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. 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
