Record flights for Northland rescue helicopters

17 Jan, 2022

Northland’s Rescue Helicopters have had their busiest year on record with 1289 flights during 2021 calendar year. That compares to 1115 flights in 2020 and 953 flights in 2019.

On Wednesday December 29 a record nine missions were undertaken, with all three Sikorsky’s in action.

The announcement comes as Northland Rescue Helicopter’s partner, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter, also announced its busiest year on record.

By midnight December 29 Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews had flown 1215 missions, on the back of the 2020 record breaking total of 1187 flights.

As demand for the Northland Rescue Helicopter service continues to increase, Northland Emergency Services Trust Chair Paul Ahlers says it highlights the importance of having a world class air ambulance service available for the people of Te Tai Tokerau day and night.

“Since this charity was launched in 1988, there have been well over 22,000 flights and clearly that number is growing every year,” says Mr Ahlers.

“Our team could not do that work 24/7 without the support of the other emergency services and lifeline groups in Northland, not to mention the volunteers within those organisations and members of the Northland community who constantly look out for each other. We receive really strong community support and we are very grateful for that.”

Northland Rescue Helicopter CEO Craig Gibbons says his team has done a superb job managing the increased workload the past couple of years.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our team. They do an exceptional job looking out for the community,” says Mr Gibbons.

Both rescue helicopter services are being utilised more to reach severely injured or unwell patients.

“It is part of a nationwide trial where air ambulances like ours are being used more often on those kinds of accidents and incidents. It is an initiative stemming from the government’s commitment to improved healthcare and better patient outcomes.

“With the large increase in visitors to the region over the summer holiday period, we ask that people continue to keep an eye on each other, just as all of the volunteers and first responders throughout the region remain incredibly dedicated to being there for locals and visitors to the North.”