Hybrid wheels for rescue pilot

Barry Vincent, rescue-chopper head pilot, with Rotorua Toyota's Grant Herrick and the new car. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's BayTrust Rescue Helicopter has a new vehicle in its fleet but, unlike the whirlybird, it runs on electricity and is fitted with sirens and lights.

The pilot response car - a hybrid Toyota - was gifted to the charitable organisation by Rotorua Toyota.

It means the on-duty pilot can respond to emergencies while away from the hangar.

Rotorua head pilot Barry Vincent said the partnership with Rotorua Toyota was almost as old as the helicopter service.

"We've had a partnership with them for about 20 years - and the helicopter service is 21," he said. "It's all about response times. The quicker we can get in the air to help someone, the better."

The on-duty pilots are often away from the hangar, meeting people in the community, so they need to return to base as soon as their pager goes off.

Rotorua Toyota new vehicle manager Grant Herrick said it was a long-term relationship and one way to help the community.

"If you need the helicopter you have normally got a disaster on your hands," he said. "I came to the open day and when you see all the strings to the bow, all the services that work together, well, that's a great education."