01/10/2008
The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched an injured logger from an accident scene late this afternoon.
The injured worker was injured by a falling tree while working on a forestry site east of Waikanae.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter brought a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic to the accident scene and once the injured man was stabilised and given pain relief the pair were winched about 130 feet from the forest, back into the helicopter.
"As I understand it the man was cutting down a tree when a gust of wind brought the tree down towards him" says Brent Malden, Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman. "He apparently tried to get out of the way but the tree ended up landing on his right leg".
"The man was freed from under the tree by his co-workers and they helped keep him warm till the helicopter arrived" continued Malden. "It was quite windy in there but the co-workers controlled our safety rope as the pair were winched into the helicopter, ensuring the stretcher didn't spin".
The 38 year old Levin man has been flown to Wellington Hospital where he is currently being assessed and treated.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
For more information please contact:
Brent Malden
Westpac Rescue Helicopter
A: PO Box 14448, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6042
MOB: +64 21 183 0999
WEB: www.lifeflight.org.nz
