Tapapa Crash

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched at 10:30 this morning to a serious crash at the intersection of State Highway’s 5 and 28 in the Waikato.

Two cars had collided head on at speed. Fire service had used cutting equipment to free the occupants of one of the vehicles. At least five people from the crash were transported to Waikato Hospital.

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

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.

Philips Search & Rescue Trust operates:

Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Waikato King Country

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter, Bay of Plenty

BayTrust Rescue Helicopter, Rotorua - Bay of Plenty

Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, Taupo - Central Plateau

Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter, Manawatu - Whanganui

Westpac Air Ambulance (Fixed wing), Nationwide

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