NZ Flying Doctor Service While some of the more obvious and visible aspects of our Rescue operation centre around the missions flown by the Westpac and Solid Energy Rescue Helicopters, a vitally important third part of our service quietly goes about it's business from the seclusion of a dedicated hangar at the rear of Christchurch International Airport. From here, the two fixed wing Cessna aircraft of the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service provides a vital lifeline for outlying regions around the South Island to the extended medical facilities available in the larger metropolitan centres.   Since inception the fixed wing division has completed well over 2000 missions. The Aircraft One is a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle, single pilot IFR (instrument flight rules), pressurised twin engine aeroplane, purchased in 1996.  It is fitted with a side cargo door which is needed to load stretchers in and out of the aircraft. The other a Cessna Conquest C441 pressurised twin turbo prop, also single pilot IFR purchased in April 2001 from the Australian Flying Doctor Service.  It is capable of flying at 300 knots and up to 35,000 feet.  The C441 has proved to be a real performer in the Air Ambulance role, cutting down travel times with its speed and performance.   The Service For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service provides exactly that - qualified, skilled medical practitioners in the aircraft alongside patients who are being transferred to medical facilities for any number of reasons. From critical care burns victims, spinal injury patients, neonatal transfers, or accident trauma victims to routine elective surgery transfers, organ delivery, blood or equipment supply, the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service can offer a fast, efficient and effective transfer facility with specialised care and attention every step of the way.   "In that sense alone, the service is quite unique", says Shane McKerrow, Clinical Nurse Coordinator for the Canterbury District Health Board. "Where paramedics and ambulance crew are trained to GET the patient to a hospital, they are still limited as to the skills and/or medicines they are authorised to use. If a patient is transferred to another hospital by conventional ambulance, for whatever reason, any on-going treatment is sometimes put on hold for the duration of the journey" she says. "The Flying Doctor team not only continues treatment throughout the trip - but can initiate and carry out further treatment on the way, should it be necessary. With a doctor and nurse on-board the aircraft, they are fully equipped and able to manage the worst case scenario should it arise.  We think of the whole system as a mobile care facility."     Shane's position as Clinical Nurse Coordinator requires the accurate assessment of all relevant information in order to pull together the right team for each job. That can often mean crews and equipment, doctors and nurses and a network of resources from St Johns Ambulance to extended care givers to ensure that the level of care afforded to the patient throughout the transfer is NEVER decreased.   The nature of the Flying Doctors work requires the very best equipment and patient care facilities during the transfer flight. Each pressurised aircraft is fully equipped with stretcher, life support systems, incubator as well as any specialised equipment related to individual patients.     While the operation of the NZ Flying Doctor Service may be slightly different to our other services, one aspect is exactly the same - the on-going need for outside funding. Through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organisations who support the work of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, we can ensure this vital service continues to provide the high level of expertise and efficiency that our country has come to rely on. CLICK HERE to view our NZ Flying Doctor Service PHOTO GALLERY The Service also offers an excellent opportunity for high profile sponsorship and brand visibility for businesses and organisations. For sponsorship and signage opportunities please contact the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.