After more than 20 years serving the community, the ROA Mining Rescue Helicopter has flown its last official West Coast mission.
The BK117 helicopter, with the tail number HJC, was the first twin-engine helicopter to join the rescue helicopter service. It initially was based in Christchurch before moving to the West Coast.
Its final mission was a poignant one for West Coast Critical Care Paramedic Rod. As he attended HJC’s final mission he realised it was almost 20 years to the day since he had started his career as a flight paramedic in the very same machine.
The mission took Rod and the crew down to a motor vehicle accident near Haast. Luckily, the patient’s injuries were not as serious as feared and the patient and her partner were flown to Greymouth.
As HJC stands down, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank ROA Mining for their unwavering commitment and support to the West Coast rescue helicopter service. For more than 12 years, ROA has been principal sponsor on the West Coast rescue helicopter, showcasing an incredible commitment to the health and wellbeing of the West Coast community.
Our most heartfelt thanks to ROA for the enduring partnership we have enjoyed and for continuing your commitment to the community through sponsorship of the NZ Flying Doctor Service’s Christchurch-based planes.
