Rise in demand for rescue chopper

VITAL SERVICE: The amount of people requiring Life Flight's services is on the rise.PHOTO/FILE

The number of people in need of emergency care through Life Flight's Rescue Helicopter rose by 11 per cent last year, meaning community assistance is now more vital than ever for the charity which relies on public support.

Last year, in Wairarapa, 140 patients were flown by the Life Flight Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance, which is, on average, three people every week.

It costs the Wairarapa community about $2500 every time Life Flight is called out in the region.

Life Flight Trust communications and PR manager Sebastian Grodd said the increase was mostly in primary medical missions, flying very sick or injured people to Wellington Hospital for urgent medical care.

Mr Grodd said there was a "constant challenge" to raise enough money to keep the service available at all hours, with about $3.5 million needed from the New Zealand community, annually, to keep saving lives.

"Emergency air services have high associated costs including fuel, medical equipment, aircraft parts and maintenance," he said. "We are very grateful to everyone who donates to help save lives."

Over the past two weeks Wairarapa missions have included an urgent transfer of an accident victim from Masterton to Wellington Hospital for intensive care, an urgent helicopter transfer of a medical patient from Masterton Hospital to Hutt Hospital, a cardiac patient flown by helicopter to Wellington Hospital for emergency care and a helicopter rescue in the Tararuas cancelled due to bad weather, among others.

Mr Grodd said Life Flight is well-supported by the Wairarapa community.

"Life Flight receives fantastic support from people in Wairarapa who donate generously to ensure its services can remain available locally."

Today a private supporter's event, for those who are regular Life Flight donors, will be held at the Frank Cody Lounge in the Masterton Town Hall.