Tricky landing not a problem for rescue chopper

A call-out for the Gisborne-based Eastland Rescue Helicopter to Toatoa near Opotiki required the crew to make an unconventional landing on a ridgeline, but it all worked out well despite the somewhat precarious location.Picture by Loïc Ifrah

The Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter will be landed wherever its crew can to get help to those who need it.

Last week was a classic example of this as the chopper ended up perched on a track on an exposed ridgeline.

Last Wednesday the crew had to land at the Motu end of Toatoa, just east of Opotiki, to assist a person who had suffered a back injury.

“It did look a bit unconventional but as there were no trees or power lines around, it was actually ideal,” said base manager Richard Curtis.

“We can certainly end up in some unusual spots.”

However, the limited landing options meant the helicopter had to set down some way from the patient.

“The patient was assessed and treated by the on-board critical care flight paramedic before being driven to the helicopter, then flown in a stable condition to Gisborne Hospital,” Mr Curtis said.