Man struck by the branch, Te Poi

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Matamata, this afternoon, to retrieve a man in his 70’s who was struck by a falling tree branch. The man ventured out side his home in Te Poi, while trees were being trimmed, and a branch fell from approximately 10 metres, striking him in the head. After being assessed at the scene, and found to be highly agitated and combative, he was transported to Matamata where the ambulance was met by the rescue helicopter, transporting 2 Intensive Care Paramedics from Hamilton, who immediately executed a rapid sequence intubation (RSI) to mitigate the risk of the further injury. Accompanied by his wife, he was then flown to Waikato Hospital. The availability of an RSI-qualified medic, coupled with he speed and accessibility of the rescue helicopter provides game-changing intervention in the field, that significantly increases the survivability of the patient.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) 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 donations. Special thanks to Waikato King Country’s principal sponsor, Westpac. 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 rescue.org.nz

ENDS

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