Elderly man critical after heater burn

File photo / NZ Herald

A 79-year-old man is in a critical condition after he was trapped by his arm in a chair and received burns to his back from a nearby heater.

The TrustPower TECT rescue helicopter was called to Waihi where the local man had fallen overnight in his home.

He was only discovered this morning when a caregiver called around to see him.

Spokesman Liam Brettkelly said the man's arm had restricted circulation.

The man has been taken to Waikato Hospital with critical injuries.

- NEWSTALK ZB