Meet Lou - Westpac Chopper Air Crew Officer

Meet Lou – Westpac Chopper Air Crew Officer

Meet Lou Westpac Chopper ACO

Her mum was a nurse at Wellington Hospital and often flew with Life Flight founder Peter Button to help people in need.

While she began her career in the military, Life Flight was always calling. “I’d see them flying in and out and just think – that’s what I want to be doing.”

Fast forward a few years, and Lou became an Air Crew Officer on the Life Flight Westpac Chopper.

So when the call came through that a baby was in critical medical distress in Masterton, Lou and the Westpac Chopper crew didn’t hesitate.

Q1s Pt 1

How did it feel to realise that this was your friend’s baby who was critically ill?

I knew it was a big job anyway, but when I realised who it was, there was a whole new level of emotion attached to it.

We always want to do the absolute best for our patients, but knowing this was my friend’s baby added another layer. It also meant Rosie could take comfort in knowing someone she trusted was with Rieko.

When I heard Rieko was okay, I burst into tears with relief.

Picture: Lou transporting baby Reiko

Section 2

section 2

Was there any specific equipment that made this mission possible?

Night vision goggles were critical. Clear conditions meant we could fly directly over the Remutaka Ranges rather than taking the longer coastal route.

That probably saved five minutes – and I don’t think Rieko had five minutes to spare.

How do you decompress and process difficult missions?

I’ve developed good systems for dealing with difficult jobs. After Rieko’s mission, I was given advice that’s stuck with me – to hold onto the reminder that life is fragile, because life gets busy and we forget that.

What’s the best part of the job?

Helping people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. It’s a privilege to be there when they need us most.

Life Flight