Tetraplegic thanks rescue chopper team

Paralympian Michael Johnson on the Westpac Trust Rescue helicopter with advanced paramedic Marcel Driessen. Picture / Martin Sykes

As the helicopter team lifted Michael Johnson from the mangled wreckage of his car he felt safe and reassured in their hands.

"I always describe it as being lifted out of the car by angels," he says.

The 32-year-old had been on his way to visit family in Waiuku when a car came around the corner on the wrong side of the road 10 years ago.

Mr Johnson swerved to avoid the oncoming car but hit a tree and broke his neck.

The accident left him a tetraplegic but he still has some feeling in his legs and attributes that in part to the quick help he got from the rescue. Mr Johnson is publicising his experience to help promote Westpac Rescue Helicopter's appeal day today.

He said the short flight to Middlemore Hospital heavily reduced the time between the accident and getting medical treatment for his spinal injury.

Mr Johnson has taken up shooting since his accident and has won gold at the paralympics in Athens and broken two world medals.

He attributes his success as a paralympic to the quick and professional help he got on the day of the accident. Without it his injuries may have been a lot worse.

"I would just like to say thank you so much for coming to my assistance because without your help I'm sure I wouldn't have got to where I am today."

"People need to realise that they are not invincible and all humans are pretty vulnerable - you are only a car accident away from having a disability."

Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter:
* 450 rescues last year, 12000 rescues in the past 35 years
* Operational costs $5000 an hour
* Mechanics Bay Open day, Saturday 1-4pm

* Donations at any Westpac Branch, text 4483 or phone 0900 4CHOPPER