24/10/2011 0830 hours

The Life Flight Trust transport an Injured Tramper from Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku after a Emergency locator Beacon Activation

At 0830 this Morning the Life Flight Trust responded to Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku on the Inland Kaikoura Range.

The Rescue Co-Ordination Center had picked up a Emergency Locator Beacon activation near Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku.

Life Flight responded with a Wellington Free Paramedic on board the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

On arrival near the scene the signal from the beacon was heard by the crew onboard the helicopter and was able to track the signal to a hut.
The tramper who set the beacon off had injured his knee while tramping with some friends. The tramper fell and injured his knee and was unable to walk out. The group did not have a Emergency Locator Beacon but came across another tramping party who had a beacon which they used to raise the alarm.

The Helicopter was able to land a short distance from the Hut that the tramper was waiting in.

The patient was flown to Wairau Hospital Emergency Department where he is being treated for his injuries.

The Life Flight Trust is a charity providing air rescue and air ambulance services. It operates the Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a national air ambulance service. It relies on support from the public and sponsorship from partners such as Westpac to provide these services. Further information can be obtained from www.lifeflight.org.nz

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