A personal locator beacon goes off. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew jumps into action. They have no idea they’re heading to one of the most challenging missions they will ever face.
Meanwhile, Rob Reynish is waiting, trapped in a boat filling with water. The sound of the chopper is his only hope.
Putting together a rescue mission is like piecing together a puzzle – everyone has a vital role to play. You are part of that puzzle too. Your support is what ensures the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew have the best training and equipment to save people like Rob.
This Chopper Appeal we need to raise $100,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopters across Canterbury and the West Coast.
Can you help?
Five friends were out boating for the day – like they had done many times before. Except this time the boat hits a submerged rock. It smashes into a cliff, then is carried downstream before becoming precariously wedged on a tree.
In that boat is Rob, Dick, and Barry.
Barry floats out of the boat and is carried about one and a half kilometres downstream before scrambling onto a beach.
Rob is trapped in the boat. He doesn’t know why he can’t get out.
Water is rising. Dick is left holding Rob’s head out of the water, hoping help is on its way.
“Water was up to my chest. Dick was doing an amazing job holding my head out of the water. I remember going down all the time and him pulling me out.”
Rob Reynish
A friend travelling on another boat immediately activates his personal locator beacon (PLB). The fact he has a PLB with him saves lives that day.
Critical Care Paramedic Kath and the rescue helicopter crew of Paramedic and Winch Operator Wayne and Pilot Grant are immediately dispatched.
Kath remembers flying to the scene and seeing Rob. She immediately knows he’s in big trouble.
Kath is winched down into the boat. She slides her body under the water to free Rob’s leg. The weather is deteriorating, with gale force winds arriving. Every part of the crew’s training kicks into action. They need to use the helicopter winch to take some of Rob’s weight so they can slide him backwards and then out from under the dashboard, where he is trapped.
“The pilot was relying on winch operator Wayne to tell him exactly where to put the helicopter. They had to time it right so that they pulled us backwards, and then out, gently. To be able to do that in such trying conditions, in the middle of a canyon, involves an incredible amount of skill.”
Critical Care Paramedic Kath
Kath says it’s amazing Rob is here today to talk about his rescue.
For Rob, it’s Kath and the crew that deserves recognition. He says the rescue helicopter service is a godsend and Kath a goddess.
“For Kath to go under water, adjusting my broken femur and getting me out of there with no regard for her own life, she’s amazing. I can’t thank her or the rescue helicopter crew enough for saving my life – twice.”
Rob was rescued twice?
Read more about this incredible rescue and what happens to Rob next.
This Chopper Appeal we need to raise $100,000 to keep our world-class rescue helicopters and the exceptional crew mission-ready.
We have purchased three state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters for Canterbury and the West Coast. We have invested significantly in crew training and have purchased advanced medical equipment to improve patient outcomes.
Lots of pieces have to fit together to save a life. You are a vital part of the puzzle.
A rescue helicopter crew is made up of three people; pilot, critical care paramedic; and paramedic crewperson. Their relationships run deep. They have to.
“When you make it to this level, you’re working with real professionals. There’s no room for ego here,” says Critical Care Paramedic Steve.
For daytime missions, the crew have 10 minutes to get in the air. At night, it’s 20 minutes.
As soon as the phone rings, the crew all know their place – what they have to do to get in the air, and to the patient, as quickly as possible.
Critical Care Paramedic Steve
“When a call comes in, I’m focusing on what specialist equipment the patient may require. If it’s a water job, I’m putting on my wetsuit.
Pilot Tom
“I’ve always got keep helicopter performance and fly-away options in mind. The helicopter always needs to have an escape route, especially in mountainous areas.”
Paramedic Crewperson Courtney
“We’re constantly talking, double checking with each other. That’s what keeps us safe.”
Here Steve, Tom, and Courtney talk us through a mission.
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