13 April 2012, 1215 hours

Unlucky Friday 13th for man who had horse roll over him

Life Flight rescued a man who was injured when a horse roll over him near Te Whiti (Wairarapa) earlier today.

About 0845 this morning Life Flight responded with the Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter team including a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic.

The helicopter pilot was able to hover the helicopter close to the ground allowing the paramedic to step from the helicopter with his medical gear. Once the man's injuries were stabilised the pair were winched back to the helicopter and the man was then flown to Wellington Hospital.

"It certainly wasn't his lucky day" says Dave Greenberg, Life Flight crewman. "As I understand it the man was riding a horse through a steep gully when apparently the horse slipped, throwing the man off the horse, and then the horse landed and rolled over the man".

The 19 year old Masterton man is suffering from non life threatening pelvic injuries and is currently being assessed and treated in The Wellington Hospital Emergency Department.

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

ENDS

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