Media Release
For Immediate Release
14 November 2006
Newcastle Westpac Rescue Helicopter Senior Crewman in Auckland for Auckland Rescue Helicopter winch audit
Newcastle Westpac Rescue Helicopter Senior Crewman Peter Cummings has spent the last two days on board the Auckland
Westpac Rescue Helicopter to undertake a winch audit of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew and paramedics.
The Newcastle Westpac Rescue Helicopter is the sister organisation to the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Both
organisations have pooled resources and skills over the years to ensure rescue helicopter safety procedures are
standardised and adhered to.
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Helicopter Manager Greg Brownson explains that having an outside person to audit winch
procedures helps crew to see any improvements they can make as they are often too close to the work.
“It prevents the guys from seeing the way they do things through rose tinted glasses” said Mr Brownson.
Peter Cummings explains that his role during the winch audit is to ensure that all crew use the same standards and
safety procedures when operating the winch.
“As this line of work is very unique both rescue helicopter services pool their knowledge and come up with safety
standards and procedures to follow” said Mr Cummings.
ENDS