Rescue helicopter crew working Christmas Day

There is no downtime for the Westpac Rescue crew.

With Christmas just around the corner, most people will be taking much-needed time off to spend with their family and friends, gathering around the table for Christmas dinner and unwrapping presents with loved ones. But spare a thought for your dedicated rescue helicopter crew who are working hard tomorrow to keep everyone safe over the festive season.

For Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman David, tomorrow will be his first working Christmas Day shift on the rescue helicopter, covering the 7pm to 7am night shift.

“This will be our first Christmas in New Zealand and I am lucky enough to be able to spend the morning and early afternoon with my family. We’ll be opening gifts and enjoying a traditional Christmas meal together. I am hoping to take a short nap before getting ready for my night shift. If there’s any dessert left, I’ll be taking some with me to share with my colleagues.”

Pilot Adam, who has been working for the rescue helicopters for more than two years and has been a part of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew for a few months now, is no stranger to working Christmas day shifts. This year he will be doing the 7am to 7pm day shift.

“I will have my family and extended family around Taupo for a couple of days beforehand, which is great. I may get a base visit from my wife and kids on Christmas Day at some point as an added bonus too. Once I have finished my shift, we will then be having a family Christmas dinner. I have Boxing Day off so will be able to settle in, relax and enjoy the occasion.”

The essence of this job is to provide a 24-hour service, and the holiday season will bring the busiest time of year for rescue helicopters. Even though they are aware they will miss the important milestone of spending Christmas with their family, they understand the importance of their work and the rescue helicopter crew will still take some time to celebrate their own mini Christmas at the hangar.

“Although time with family is precious, I understand the importance of what I do, so I don’t feel any different working a Christmas shift. But we’re hoping to share a meal together if we’re not too busy.” says crewman David, from the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

“We will be getting the BBQ up and going at some point and have some treats to bring the Christmas spirit to the base. Maybe some Mariah Carey hits in the background to really kick it off,” says Pilot Adam, from the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.

As the festive season is approaching, there is no doubt that this time of year is one of the busiest with most people heading away or outdoors. The rescue helicopter crew wants to remind everyone to stay safe over the Christmas period and to look out for your family and friends.

“I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May 2023 be a safe, happy and healthy year enjoyed with families and friends, make sure to stay safe over the holiday season and thank you for supporting the rescue helicopters.” says crewman David.

“No matter how you celebrate Christmas, working or not, be sure to enjoy the moment, take it easy and look out for one another! And while we hope you won’t need us, just know we will be there if you do!” says Pilot Adam.

Support your rescue helicopter crew and help them continue to carry out life-saving missions over the summer. Head to https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/waikato-westpac-rescue-helicopter/christmas to donate today.