Injured tramper rescued by Life Flight Trust's Westpac rescue helicopter
The Life Flight Trust’s Westpac rescue helicopter was called this morning at approximately 11.30am to an injured tramper
in the Tararua ranges.
Life Flight responded in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with two Wellington Free Ambulance Paramedics on board.
The patient, a 20 year old woman living in Wellington, had sustained a leg injury late yesterday while tramping and was
carried for an hour by members of her party to the Mitre Flat Hut. She spent an uncomfortable night in the hut before
one member of the tramping party walked out to point where they could get cellphone coverage this morning to call
Ambulance for assistance.
The helicopter was able to land in a small clearing next to Mitre Hut. The woman’s leg was immobilised and she was given
pain relief before being flown by the helicopter crew to Wellington Hospital, where she is being assessed and treated
for her injury.
The Life Flight Trust is a charity providing air rescue and air ambulance services. It operates the Wellington based
Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a nationwide 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