The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter Service undertook a record number of rescues and flew 30 percent more mission hours over the past year than in the previous year.

The Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust presented its 2020-21 annual report to an Otago Regional Council (ORC) meeting last week as the ORC is a major funder of the trust, donating $350,000 annually.

ORC chair Andrew Noone said the report highlighted the important work done by the trust and HeliOtago, the rescue service operator.

“HeliOtago and the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust do exceptionally valuable work for the people of our communities across Otago and Southland, undertaking 1,703 emergency patient retrievals across the lower South Island, which is a significant 28 percent increase on the previous year,” he said.

“They have also continued to upgrade medical equipment and develop GPS routes that enhance their response to patients in need.”

Because many life-saving procedures cannot be undertaken outside of Dunedin, HeliOtago and the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust play a vital role in retrieving patients for medical emergencies and transfers, as well as responding to accidents and search and rescue operations.

Its services are on standby 24/7 to deliver advanced paramedic care and the service is equipped with advanced rescue technology for search and rescue missions.

The annual report noted that ongoing growth in demand for the service needs to be supported by fundraising activities.

Trustee Stephen Woodhead thanked those who have supported the trust. 

“During the year, the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust is grateful to have received generous donations from individuals and community organisations, and this ongoing support is relied on to ensure the continued delivery of this vital service across our vast and geographically challenging area, providing critical care in often desperate situations,” he said.

PHOTO: ORC