Philips Search and Rescue Trust reports rise in rural incidents
New Zealand’s Philips Search and Rescue Trust carried out 167 life-saving missions in September across its four rescue helicopter organizations
This included 108 inter-hospital transfers, 39 medical events, 43 rural or farm-related incidents and 12 motor-vehicle incidents.
Both Greenlea Rescue Helicopter and Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter reported a significant jump in rural and farming-related incidents compared with the preceding month – likely reflecting the onset of spring in NZ and increased farming activity.
Meanwhile, Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter reported a surge in medical events, compared with August.
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter
Greenlea carried out 38 missions in the Central Plateau, Lakes and surrounding regions in September. This included 11 inter-hospital transfers, eight medical events and two motor-vehicle incidents.
The organization also responded to 17 rural or farm-related incidents – comprising almost half of all transported missions, representing a significant rise in this category compared with the previous month.
Greenlea had 13 missions to Tongariro National Park this month, and eight missions in Whakapapa – with these two locations being responsible for over half of all callouts.
Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Waikato Westpac conducted 67 missions in Waikato, King Country, Coromandel and surrounding areas. This included 35 inter-hospital transfers, eight rural and farm-related incidents, and six motor-vehicle incidents. Waikato Westpac also experienced a 157 per cent surge in medical events compared with August, with 18 such incidents responded to in September.
The Coromandel region accounted for 21 per cent of all missions this month.
Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter
Grassroots carried out 32 missions in September, including seven inter-hospital transfers, eight medical events, two rescue missions and two motor-vehicle accidents. The provider also responded to 13 rural and farm-related incidents that month – a significant increase, accounting for 41 per cent of total missions.
Key locations for incidents included Wellington, Ohakune, Taihape and Whakapapa.
TECT Rescue Helicopter
TECT carried out 30 missions in September, including 18 inter-hospital transfers, five medical events, five rural or farm-related incidents and two motor-vehicle accidents.
Eight callouts were responded to in Tauranga, while two more missions were in Te Kaha.