Rescue Helicopter Decision Puts Lives At Risk

Rural Women New Zealand has released a media release today, outlining our concern with the announcement of a proposal to curtail rescue helicopter service bases in Taupō, Rotorua and Te Anau.

Please follow this link to the media which we have responded to.

Read our media release below.

RESCUE HELICOPTER DECISION PUTS LIVES AT RISK

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is concerned with the announcement of a proposal to curtail rescue helicopter service bases in Taupō, Rotorua and Te Anau.

“The closure of these bases will inevitably mean that people who are in need of immediate care are consequently waiting longer for medical attention, which is a concern”, says RWNZ Board Member and Health Portfolio Convenor, Margaret Pittaway.

“People traveling through, living, working or enjoying outdoor pursuits within these areas are already isolated due to the nature of the geography.

“With winter fast approaching, there will be harsher conditions on the roads and along tracks where accidents are more likely to happen.

“This decision fails to recognise the golden hour – where minutes can mean life or death.

“It is vital that communities and people travelling through areas which are a significant distance to major hospitals can feel safe knowing that medical care is accessible.

“It’s about making sure everyone has access to immediate medical care, and we are concerned that the closure of helicopter bases critically impacts on the emergency services required for travellers and our rural communities in need,” says Mrs Pittaway.

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