Busy first day for second super-size air ambulance

New Zealand's second air ambulance capable of carrying two stretcher patients, four medical staff and four patient relatives has started work.

The new Auckland-based fixed-wing ambulance service - a partnership between Wellington's Life Flight Trust and the Auckland District Health Board - flew three missions yesterday.

It returned a patient from Waikato to Taranaki and, on the return leg, brought a patient from Taranaki to Waikato for specialist care.

It took two more stretcher patients from Taranaki to Waikato yesterday afternoon.

The ambulance service employs a staff of five.

The Life Flight Trust also operates a Wellington-based air ambulance and won a tender for the Auckland operation.

The newly fitted out pressurised Metroliner "flying pencil" aircraft arrived in Auckland on Sunday.

The American-made plane was previously used for other purposes in New Zealand. It was accredited on Sunday night for air ambulance operation.

The aircraft was blessed by chaplains and pre-service checks of specialist equipment were completed.

"Life Flight is very grateful for the support of the New Zealand Community Trust, the principal community funder of the service," Life Flight general manager Kevin Allan said yesterday.

The new service will be formally launched by Life Flight's patron, Governor-General Silvia Cartwright, in Auckland on March 10.

The Auckland and Wellington aircraft were capable of long-haul flights around New Zealand including the Chatham Islands if necessary, Mr Allan said.

- NZPA