The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter has once again demonstrated its vital role in the Bay of Plenty region, successfully completing 44 life-saving missions throughout September.

These missions encompassed a wide range of medical emergencies, showcasing the helicopter's rapid response capability and the expertise of its dedicated crew.

The month saw a variety of incidents, including 20 inter-hospital transfers, six critical medical emergencies, 12 incidents in rural and farm settings, three motor vehicle accidents, and three miscellaneous calls.

The helicopter's presence was prominent at local hospitals, with the highest number of inter-hospital transfers occurring at Whakatāne Hospital (7), followed by Tauranga Hospital (6) and Rotorua Hospital (5).

The crew's reach extended to remote locations, with missions to Matakana Island, Motiti Island, Rangiwaea Island, and other challenging terrains. These missions highlight the helicopter's role not only in urban settings but also in providing critical care to those in isolated communities.

Notable Cases

Several key missions stood out in September:

- September 1: The month kicked off with a dispatch to Paeroa Domain, where a male in his 30s suffered significant laceration injuries after a fall. The crew quickly transported him to Tauranga Hospital for further treatment, demonstrating the helicopter’s ability to respond promptly to emergencies.

- September 2: Later that evening, the helicopter was called to Rotorua Hospital for a female in her 70s experiencing a severe medical event. The patient was rapidly flown to Waikato Hospital, where she could receive the urgent care she required.

- September 6: A critical incident occurred when the helicopter was dispatched to Hicks Bay for a male in his 80s suffering from a serious medical condition. The crew’s swift actions ensured that he was transported to Whakatāne Hospital in time for necessary treatment.

- September 7: A female teenager involved in a motor vehicle accident at Waiotahi required urgent care. The helicopter swiftly transported her to Tauranga Hospital, emphasising the critical role of the service in road traffic incidents.

- September 19: A remarkable rescue was conducted off the coast of Tauranga for a male in his 30s who needed medical assistance in a remote area. The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic was winched down to provide immediate treatment before both were transported to Tauranga Hospital.

The month concluded with a dispatch to Whakatāne Hospital for a male who suffered fractures from a biking accident, showcasing the ongoing need for rapid medical transport in various scenarios.

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter. Photo: Supplied.

Community Impact

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter is part of the larger Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT), which provides vital air health and rescue services across New Zealand. Funded through community support and donations, the trust enables the helicopter service to operate without charge to the public on a no-fault basis.

The expert crew—comprising skilled pilots, paramedics, doctors, and flight nurses—works in tandem to ensure that patients receive top-tier medical care while en route to hospitals. In life-and-death situations, the speed and agility of the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter can make all the difference.

Background to Aerocool Rescue Helicopter

Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for fundraising and promotion of the North Island’s largest pool of community helicopters.

PSRT was founded in 1985 after an endowment by Philips New Zealand Limited to mark a light aircraft accident near Turangi in which two Philips personnel lost their lives.

Encompassing a fleet of rescue helicopters, the service provides air health and rescue services free of charge to the public on a no-fault basis. The rapid response is powered by an expert crew of pilots, crewmen, paramedics, doctors, flight nurses, and specialist crew. In a life and death situation it is this speed and agility that can make all the difference, with patients able to receive medical treatment whilst en route to a medical facility.

Philips Search & Rescue Trust fundraise for and support:

Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Waikato, King Country, Coromandel

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, Bay of Plenty coastal region

Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, Lake’s region, Central Plateau

Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, Manawatu, Whanganui

Call for Support

As the demand for emergency services continues to grow, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter relies on the generosity of the community to maintain its operations and enhance its capabilities. The Philips Search & Rescue Trust actively encourages donations to support essential life-saving equipment for the helicopter.

"Every contribution helps us gear up for future missions and ensures that we can continue to provide timely medical assistance to those in need," said a spokesperson for the trust.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter remains an indispensable resource for the Bay of Plenty region, providing critical medical support in emergencies. As it continues to respond to life-threatening situations, community involvement and support are crucial for its ongoing success and capability to save lives.

To make a donation and support the life-saving work of the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, visit Aerocool Rescue Helicopter Donation 

For more information about the rescue service and its operations, visit rescue.org.nz or follow the organization on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.