Open day at rescue hangar

Take a close look at the Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter and enjoy the fun at the open day on Sunday. Photo / File

You usually only get a chance to see the rescue helicopter up close if you need its services, but on Sunday the hangar will open to the public - and there will be more emergency services to meet.

The annual Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter open day is from 10am to 2pm at the hangar in the Rotorua Hospital grounds.

As well as meeting the helicopter crew, visitors can also talk with crews from St John Ambulance, New Zealand Fire Service, Rotorua police, Rotorua Coastguard and Civil Defence.

There will be demonstrations throughout the day, including from the Rotorua police dog section and the Armed Offenders Squad.

The New Zealand Fire Service will show how it can rescue people trapped in cars and you can ask all sorts of questions of the other services to learn more about what they do. Rotorua head pilot Barry Vincent said he loved meeting the public, especially as it was in a relaxed environment.

"When we're working it's very intense and we're very focused on what we're doing," he said. "This is a great time in a relaxed open doors manner. We can give something back to the community.

"The public can see what they have supported over the last 22 years."

He said the rescue helicopter crew worked with all the other emergency services so it was a natural fit to ask them along.

As well as being able to meet crews people can sit in the helicopter, there will be a sausage sizzle and a raffle to win a 15 minute "non-emergency" flight in the helicopter.

The event is free but Mr Vincent said any donations would be gratefully accepted.

Details
What: Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter Open Day
When: Sunday, March 29, 10am to 2pm
Where: Rescue Helicopter Hangar, Rotorua Hospital
How much: Free