Rescue helicopter crew make a direct appeal to Kiwis.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews have made a direct appeal to Kiwis, saying the gear that saves lives doesn’t come cheap and doesn’t last forever. Critical care paramedic Marcel Dresen and pilot Aaron Knight appeared on Herald NOW discussing the demanding realities of the job, having recently rescued three people from a Coromandel sea cave with fuel running low and the tide coming in. They said that mission wouldn’t have been possible without the right gear – but this gear is expensive. Helmets need replacing every 10-12 years at a cost of up to $4500 each; while harnesses, rescue straps and winching equipment are inspected every six months, and have a finite shelf life. Dresen and Knight said donation money goes to this essential gear, allowing them to focus on saving lives. Donate at chopperappeal.nz