Fall from balcony lands man in hospital

Fri 05/02/2010 17:23

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter transported an Upper Hutt man to hospital today after he fell from a balcony at a property in Te Awaiti on the South Wairarapa Coast.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard was called to the scene at about 2pm this afternoon and was able to land at a neighboring property. The crew was then directed to the patients house approximately 100 metres up the road.

"As we understand it the man was leaning on the railing of the balcony when it gave way" says Colin Larsen, Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman. "He has fallen approximately 3 metres and appears to taken the brunt of the fall on his head and shoulders".

The helicopter crew, assisted by a Wairarapa Ambulance crew, stabilized the patient and then carried him to the helicopter. He is suspected to have head, back and rib injuries.

The man was transported to the Wellington Hospital Emergency Department where he is currently being treated and assessed.

For more information please contact:

Colin Larsen
Westpac Rescue Helicopter
021 720512