The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was dispatched on multiple missions early on new-years day with the first just after midnight to Eketahuna where a local man was suffering a serious medical event. He was stabilised by the on-board Intensive Care Para-Medic before being airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital for further treatment. A follow-on mission was then required to Waione, east of Pahiatua, where an Upper Hutt woman in her 50’s was suffering a severe allergic reaction. She was also airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital.

On the following day (2nd Jan) just after mid-day, a Taihape man, in his 50’s, required urgent hospitalisation after suffering a medical event, he was flown to Whanganui Hospital.

Whilst the helicopter was returning to Palmerston North it was diverted to a motor vehicle accident involving multiple vehicles on SH 1 near Sanson. A Whanganui man in his 30’s was trapped with serious leg injuries with local Fire Service working to extricate him from the wreckage. Once cleared from the wreckage the patient was stabilised by the on-board Intensive Care Para-Medic before being flown directly to Palmerston North Hospital.

Shortly before last-light a Police search was getting underway in the Ruahine Ranges for a tramping party of four women, all in their early 20’s, who were over-due owing to weather conditions and being out of food supplies. The search was completed the following morning shortly after first light in rainy conditions, with the party being located near the Leon-Kinvig Hut and flown out.

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. 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

© Scoop Media