111022hcpwestpac Westpac helicopters on a rescue atop the Kaimais. Photo / Supplied
Over the month of September, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter carried out 67 lifesaving missions in the Waikato, King Country, Coromandel and surrounding areas. Those missions included 35 inter-hospital transfers, eight rural or farm-related incidents, six motor vehicle accidents, and a significant increase in medical events with 18 incidents, which was a 157 per cent increase on the previous month. The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was commonly spotted in Whitianga, Matamata, and Taupo. It also completed a high number of missions in the Coromandel region, accounting for 21 per cent of total missions.
The month commenced with the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter tasked to Rotorua Hospital for a female experiencing serious birthing difficulties. The patient was flown to Starship Hospital for further treatment. That same day, the helicopter was tasked to transport a pre-term baby. The patient was flown to Tauranga Hospital for further treatment.
On Sunday, September 11, the helicopter was dispatched to Taupo for a woman in her 50s who was in serious condition and required a lifesaving procedure. The woman was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
On Tuesday, September 13, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to the Kaimai Ranges–Thompson's Track for a male in his 30s who had been involved in a serious 4WD crash and was suffering from critical spinal injuries. The helicopter crew winched the patient out and airlifted them to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.
