Media Release
Medical emergency and a Horse riding accident
The Palmerston North based Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Marton this morning at around 9:30 am for a 9 year old
girl suffering a medical emergency. She was stabilised by St John paramedics before being airlifted to Palmerston North
Hospital in a serious condition. The helicopter was called due to the time critical nature of the emergency.
Later in the afternoon around 4:30 pm the helicopter was dispatched to Ohakune where an 11 year old girl was injured
after a fall from a horse. She sustained head injuries and was stabilised by St John paramedics and then airlifted to
Wanganui. The helicopter was called due to the distance and nature of the injuries.
Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North
Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community contributions. The
Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter service has been made possible through the generosity of community donations. This
crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel
and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website http://rescue.org.nz.
Organisation Background:
Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for the North Island’s largest pool of community helicopters. PSRT was
founded in 1985 after an endowment by Philips New Zealand Limited to mark a light aircraft accident near Turangi in
which two Philips personnel lost their lives.
Encompassing six rescue helicopters and two fixed-wing planes, the service provides air health and rescue services free
of charge to the public on a no-fault basis. The rapid response is powered by an expert crew of pilots, paramedics,
flight nurses, Police and volunteer crewmen. In a life and death situation it is this speed and agility that can make
all the difference, with patients able to receive medical treatment whilst en route to a medical facility.
ENDS