Westpac Rescue Helicopter winches sick fisherman off boat

31/08/2008

The Wellington Based Westpac Rescue Helicopter Rescued a 72yr old male from 16 km off the Wellington heads at approximately 12:30 today 31/08/2008.

The skipper of the fishing vessel he had been on had contacted the
Ambulance Communications Centre in Wellington by phone. The skipper of the fishing vessel had given accurate information about his patient and their location. The Ambulance Communications then dispatched the Westpac Rescue helicopter to the scene with a winch trained Intensive Care Paramedic onboard.

The Helicopter Crew were able to locate the vessel promptly and affect the rescue

The 72 yr old male who was in a serious to moderate condition was winched into the helicopter and flown direct to Wellington Hospital where he is currently being assessed in the Emergency Department.

For further information
Please contact

Keith Frewen
Assistant Operations Manager
Helicopter Crew
Westpac Rescue Helicopter
029 2338282
www.lifeflight.org.nz