The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service continues to have increased demand, with more than 2000 missions over the past year.

A recent presentation to major funders last week, including the Otago Regional Council, which provides $350,000 annually, shared the latest statistics through its annual report.

The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust has responded to a request to provide increased annual community funding for the service in its role as co-funders with the Crown (Te Whatu Ora and ACC).

Total donations from more than 200 community groups and individuals totalled $1.265 million annually, and trustee Stephen Woodhead said they are hugely grateful for the sponsorships and donations.

“That support is vital in enabling us to support the teams to bring vital life-saving care to patients every day and night of the year,” he said.

The service responded with critical care for 1866 patients over the last year - an increase of 16% on the previous year.

Accidents increased from 477 missions to 629 (32%), medical emergencies from 344 to 436 (27%), hospital transfers  767 to 935 (22%), and search and rescues from 61 to 109 (79%).

The total number of missions increased from 1666 to 2121 (up 27%), and the trust continues to be the busiest area in the country.

The report says the uplift reflects changing demographics, new clinical pathways, the increase in activity levels following Covid-19, and enhanced technology that enables more responses in adverse weather conditions.

Two new ventilators were recently purchased, and further Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) routes were added - including from Wanaka to Queenstown in August 2023.  All pilots underwent specialised training.