Girl impaled by tree stump on Rakino Island

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust crew had to cut the tree stump to transport the girl. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

A 9-year-old girl was flown to hospital this afternoon after being impaled by a sharp stump.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter were tasked to Rakino Island around 2.20pm today. Initial reports were that the girl was hurt falling out of a tree, but rescue staff later confirmed she had been running when she tripped and fell and impaled herself. Her condition was initially reported as serious but she was flown to hospital with moderate injuries.

Crewman Ati Wynyard, who attended the scene, said a sharp branch around 4cm wide had gone right through the girl's calf and come out the back. Her parents, older brother, a nearby doctor and bystanders were around the girl when they arrived.

The crew cut off the tree stump with a saw provided by locals.

"We've transported her with the stump through her leg. We've got to leave it in there. If you pull it out there's a chance she may bleed out.

"She was in a distressed state obviously."

Wynyard said they provided adequate pain relief and flew her and her mum to Starship Hospital with the wood still in her leg.

The girl was in extreme pain after the stump impaled her calf. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust