A Kawakawa team acts quickly to save a heart attack patient.
A Kawakawa team acts quickly to save a heart attack patient.
Forget television's Amazing Race with its catfights, contrived scenarios and $1 million prize - Russell held an Amazing Race of its own on Saturday with the more noble aim of saving Northlanders' lives.
The annual competition saw eight teams of three St John volunteers find and complete eight tests oftheir skills, teamwork and clinical knowledge.
St John officer Louisa "Lulu" Barten said everything about the day was amazing - from the dramatic scenarios, the high standard of competition to the weather.
A team from Paihia - Vicky Houry, Janna Maltzbender and Tracey Jenkins, aka The Paihia Protectors - won in a photo finish over the Bandage Babes from Kerikeri (Haana Barker, Beth Christiansen and Kate Davies). Toby Ricketts from Doubtless Bay was also recognised for his strong performance.
The scenarios scattered around Russell ranged from an unconscious heart attack patient to a burning building, an ambulance driving test and even a plane crash at Russell School.
A Kawakawa team acts quickly to save a heart attack patient.
The actors behind Russell's Hellhole of the Pacific performed a skit at the Duke of Marlborough in which one of their number was shot with an antique pistol. It was then up to St John to perform emergency first aid.
A Whangarei team deals with a 'shooting' at a popular watering hole. Photo: Steven Western
Each team was scored on how well they dealt with the challenges thrown at them. The points were tallied up at the end to decide the winner.
Ms Barten said teams came from Doubtless Bay in the north to Whangarei in the south. There had been huge interest but organisers had to limit the race to eight Northland teams. It could be expanded next year.
The inaugural Amazing Race was held in Russell two years ago with the winners, Doubtless Bay, hosting last year's contest. That was won by Russell, hence the event's return. Locals were able to watch the teams at work or check out the fire brigade dousing simulated kitchen fires outside the tavern.
Children's games, CPR and first aid lessons were offered on the green next to Russell's St John station.
Russell photographer Steven Western took the photos.
