Winter roundup from the Greenlea Helicopter
Starting from the 13th of Aug:
We were involved in the initial stages assisting police with the search for the missing parties around tree trunk gorge
road off the desert road. We flew search teams in, conducted an aerial search in day light, and again using night vision
goggles and an infrared IR camera to look for heat sources.
Over the next few days the helicopter was again used to assist police divers into some remote waterways and then later
recover them following their river searches.
21 August: an injured hiker was recovered from near the waihohonu hut (eastern tongaririo national park) and flown to
Taupo hospital with spinal injuries - See photo of heli with the orange headed sasquash walking around the nose.
24 August: A youngster with a suspected serious spinal injuries was flown from the eastern side of Ruapehu to Starship
hospital. See photo of heli on roof of auckland hospital with the giant hypodermic needle in the background.
Later on the 24th a lake search was conducted using night vision, and a missing boat was located from the air. Taupo
coastguard were then directed to the location and assisted with the recovery of the occupant.
We also assisted with several Hospital and med centre transfers. The Photo of the SW slopes of Mt Ngauruhoe, with the
cloud around it was taken on Sunday the 28th.
25th: Tasked by the RCCNZ to track an active PLB in the Urewera ranges. The party in question was found rather quickly,
and assisted after a bief search.
26/27: overnight: Called by national park police to assist with the search and recover of a lost climber who had
separated from his companions and descended the wrong side of the mountain. Eventually becoming immobilised due darkness
and being bluffed out by cliffs. After two aborted attempts to assist due poor weather and finally being grounded as an
incoming northerly front approached. The individual was fortunate that clearer weather to the south allowed the
Palmerston Rescue helicopter a shot at reaching him just on day break sunday morning.
ENDS
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 Taupo’s principal sponsor, Greenlea. 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
Web rescue.org.nz
Facebook facebook.com/rescuehelicoptertrust
Twitter twitter.com/Rescue_PSRT
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