The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter has had a busy start to 2018 with three call outs on New Year's Day.
The Tauranga-based rescue helicopter was first sent to Whakatane Hospital, where an 18-month-old baby had an obstruction in his lungs. He was flown to Starship Hospital.
Not long after returning, the helicopter was sent to Rotorua Hospital where a 57-year-old man had a serious medical condition requiring immediate surgery. He was flown on a rapid response flight to Waikato Hospital.
On the way back from Waikato, the helicopter was tasked by New Zealand Police Search and Rescue to drop a team in the Kaimais to find a woman and her dog that had got into difficulties.