Life Flight Carries Out Third Rescue Mission

The Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to an injured motorbike south east of Blenheim earlier today. It was the third Life Flight mission in Marlborough this weekend.

The 15 year old Blenheim man was taking part in an organised motorbike ride near Taylors Pass and was injured when he was thrown from his motorbike after losing control. As we understand it the bike's handle bars struck the teenager as they tumbled down the hill, causing a severe break to his lower leg.

"It was very impressive to see that the organiser of the event had a Satellite phone and GPS with him to ensure the safety of the group of young riders" says Jon Leach, Life Flight crewman. "The GPS coordinate given to the 111 operator meant we were able to fly to within metres of the injured man, saving valuable time".

The Westpac Rescue helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard, responded at approximately 1:30 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival the team stabilised the fractured leg and then transported the patient to Wairau Hospital in Blenheim, arriving at hospital within an hour of the initial call.
This was the third mission in the Marlborough region for Life Flight this weekend.

At about 1:00 Saturday afternoon the Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded to Oyster Bay in Tory Channel where a woman had suffered a severely dislocated knee. The Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic aboard the helicopter was able to pop the knee back into place and transport to hospital was not required.

Around the same time the Life Flight NZ fixed wing air ambulance transported a seriously ill child from Wairau Hospital to Christchurch Hospital. The six year old boy was visiting and took ill and was transported to Christchurch.

He was cared for by a specialist flight doctor and nurse from Wellington Hospital ICU.

For more information on today's mission please contact Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman Jon Leach on (029)934-7114.

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