21 March 2006
New radios support Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust
21 March 2006, Christchurch, New Zealand: Leading New Zealand mobile radio communications company Tait Electronics has
donated $10,000 worth of radio equipment to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.
The radios will be fitted on the two Christchurch-based helicopters and one fixed-wing plane as well as the Greymouth
based helicopter – all of which carried out 700 missions in the last 12 months.
“Good communication is vital in life-and-death situations,” said Simon Duncan who manages the helicopters’ operation.
“The chopper has to pack the right kit to help with the right emergency before it flies, so the more reliable the
communications before take-off, the better. It’s a little like Thunderbirds where we have to decide what rescue pod to
take with us!”
“But the picture at the rescue scene can become clearer once we are in the air,” continues Simon. “Quite often though,
we might not find out about the exact nature of the emergency until we get there. Just last week we got the message that
a German tourist had fallen and hurt his leg, when we got there we found that it was a British tourist who was
unconscious and seriously hurt.”
According to Simon, having better radio communication range, coverage and reliability on the outbound journey will mean
the rescue team arrives on the scene more prepared for what they will encounter. “And on the return leg, we can liaise
with the ambulance and hospital teams about the condition of the patient that much more effectively for a smoother
hand-off and better care.”
“Tait radios have earned a first-class reputation for reliability and our equipment can often be found being used to
co-ordinate emergency responses between police, medical and fire services,” said Michael Chick, Managing Director of
Tait Electronics. “We’re delighted to be able to help such a wonderful cause!”
About Tait Electronics
Tait Electronics Ltd was formed in 1969 and is a leading provider of radio communications equipment to 160 countries.
The company’s global headquarters is in Christchurch, New Zealand, and its research and development operation is one of
the largest in its sector in Australasia. Tait employs about 800 people in New Zealand and in its wholly-owned customer
service operations in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, China, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and the United
States.
Tait exports more than 95% of its products, with customers ranging from small private businesses to large multi-national
corporations, government agencies, emergency services, network providers and specialist communications agencies.
ENDS