Rescue helicopter reaches 300km/h in gale

A 40-knot tail wind pushed the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to record speeds this morning on its way back to Wellington with an elderly heart attack victim on board.

The pilot, Mike Hall, said the helicopter was called to transport an 85-year-old Kapiti woman, who had suffered a heart attack.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter battled strong winds heading north and then landed in the grounds of Southward Car Museum between Paraparaumu and Waikanae to pick up the patient and a Wellington Free paramedic.

"It took us 25 minutes to get to Southward's but only 12 minutes back," said Mr Hall.

"At one point we were travelling at just over 300km/h thanks to a 40-knot northerly."

The patient was flown to the Wellington Hospital emergency department where she is currently being treated and assessed.

- NZPA