Busy start to 2026 for Eastland Rescue Helicopter crew

Eastland Rescue Helicopter critical care flight paramedic Bryan Dittmer said the crew had responded to a wide range of emergencies so far this year.

The Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter has had a busy start to 2026 with its crew completing multiple missions across the region since New Year’s Day.

This included four on January 8 alone with the crew racking up more than 3000km and over seven hours in the air.

Patients received specialist medical care from on-board critical care flight paramedics, with several transported in serious or critical condition to hospitals in Gisborne, Waikato and Wellington for further treatment, the Eastland Rescue Helicopter said in a release.

Critical care flight paramedic Bryan Dittmer said missions could involve a wide range of emergencies – from medical events such as cardiac arrests, heart attacks and strokes to traumatic incidents including drownings, vehicle crashes and farm accidents.

“In rural areas there is often no hospital nearby, so minutes really matter,” he said.

“As paramedics, our first priority is to assess the patient, provide treatment to stabilise them and prepare them for transport as quickly as possible.

“We complete critical treatments on scene before take-off, and if a patient’s condition changes during the flight, we can continue providing advanced care in the air while getting them to hospital as quickly as possible.”

Dittmer said the service relied heavily on strong partnerships with other emergency responders.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our emergency response partners such as police, fire and emergency, Hato Hone St John and other first responders,” he said. “They are often first on site providing initial care and can be the difference between life and death.”

Dittmer said the recent missions highlighted the continued demand for the rescue helicopter service over summer.

“Particularly across rural and remote parts of the region where rapid access to specialist medical care can be critical.

“We remind the public to take care while travelling and enjoying summer activities.”