Opunake rescue

2010-08-20

The rescue helicopter responded to an incident in Auroa, near Opunake, at around 5.00pm last night (19th August).
A man was felling trees when he was struck on the head by a falling branch.
He was transported to Taranaki Base Hospital with a moderate to serious head injury.

Letter to the Editor

2010-08-13

Our recent 'Letter to the Editor' advertised in the Daily News on Saturday 17 July

Dear Sir,

In response to some of the comments of late and uncertainties surrounding the future of the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter I would like to take the opportunity to provide some clarity to the community who have so generously supported us in the past.
Currently we are faced with the challenge of having to replace our single engine helicopter with a twin engine machine for reasons that have already been well documented in the press.
Unlike motor vehicles, helicopters appreciate in value, however, due to the depressed world market in general, the value of our current helicopter is also depressed. Despite that, our enquiries to date indicate that it is still worth far more than the numbers bandied around in the press on Thursday this week. The Trustees have never for one moment considered replacing the Koala 119 helicopter with another for a total value more than what we can realise for the 119. Accordingly the conjecture in the press indicating the possibility of going to the public for a sum of up to $4million is nothing more than mere unfounded speculation.
We have received some very attractive offers of a possible replacement helicopter that, together with the high dollar giving us good purchasing power, represents very good value on today's depressed market.
I take very seriously my responsibility to spend public money wisely and to that end the Trustees are exploring all possible options and taking advice from many quarters to ensure that we make the best decision in the interests of Taranaki.
Currently, we are operating out of the NP airport and maintaining a very effective service, albeit not as easily as we were out of the TDHB hanger. Finally the future of your Rescue Helicopter is very positive and I can assure you that we will continue to have an excellent Rescue Helicopter Service in Taranaki for many years to come.

Mark Masters
Chairman Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust

Fonterra Donation

2010-08-04

Fonterra donation to Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust as circulated in the North Taranaki Midweek

• Earlier this month, the Fonterra Hawera manufacturing site donated a spinal vacuum mattress, a portable suction unit, an air compressor and a high powered LED torch to the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust.

• The total cost of this sponsorship was $5113.05.

• The new Vacuum Mattress will significantly enhance travel comfort and injury stabilisation for Orthopaedic and/or Back Injury patients, as well as some Trauma and Cancer patients.

• The new Laerdal Suction Unit is significantly more compact, lighter and user friendly than the units previously used in our aircraft, and sets a new standard for aviation EMS airway management equipment for our Flight Nurses and Medics.

• The new light-weight high intensity LED White-light Torch replaces a heavy 8 cell incandescent torch, and will aid the Flight Crew in night operations as we continually work to enhance safety standards with specialised night vision equipment.

• The new High Pressure Air Compressor will serve a multitude of applications about the hangar and is already a valued tool.

• This equipment is vital to the emergency rescue team and will certainly help the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust as they work to save the lives of people in the local community.

• Fonterra recognises the important role that our local communities play in helping us realise our potential as a business both now and in the future.

• Fonterra is dedicated to supporting current and future generations in the communities where we operate. We also help motivate the next generation through our support of learning in science, innovation and agriculture. 

Ministry of Justice cheque presentation

2010-07-26

Mr Masters received a cheque for $57,470 from New Plymouth MP Jonathon Young as part of a $48 million government commitment to implementing a New Zealand ambulance services strategy over the next four years.

"The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust provides a vital service  and it has been encouraging to see the support from the community increase" said Mr Young.  "Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The Government is working hard to ensure these critcial, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives".

Mr Masters commented that "In the recent Westpac-sponsored national Chopper appeal, Taranaki people donated $19,295, a 115% increase on the previous appeal."

Photo kindly supplied by Taranaki Daily News.

Newspaper Flies High With Rescue Chopper

2009-08-31

The Taranaki Daily News has hopped on board the Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter.

A one-year sponsorship deal between the newspaper and the trust was officially announced yesterday.

Full story with pics