DONATE

We believe the communities of Canterbury and the West Coast deserve a world-class rescue helicopter service.

Our investment, and your support, is making that possible.

To deliver a truly world-class rescue helicopter service, lots of pieces have to work together. State-of-the-art helicopters, specialist crew training, and the very latest equipment – and the funding to make all that possible.

Since 1989, we’ve been supporting the life-saving rescue helicopter service across Canterbury and the West Coast. Our investment in the service ensures that when faced with the most challenging missions or the most unwell of patients, the crew have the very best training and equipment to help them save a life.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter service allows our community to live their lives to the fullest. Here are some of the ways we have invested in your rescue helicopter service.

6M+
Total fundraising target per annum

Airbus H145 helicopters

We have purchased three Airbus H145 rescue helicopters for Canterbury and the West Coast. The first was launched into service in December 2025, with the registration number IGA.
The H145 is the gold standard in air rescue, with advanced avionics, Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, and more space to provide critical care. They even have a weather radar in the helicopter’s nose to help pilots avoid dangerous weather.
Donate now
145

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

This enables the rescue helicopter to fly in poor visibility and low cloud conditions and is particularly important in our region.
The first stage of implementing IFR across the region was to upgrade the helicopter fleet. Along with the purchase of three H145 helicopters we have invested in the development of regional helipads, extended IFR routes, and pilot training.

Thanks to IFR the crew will be able to save more lives, more often.

Donate now
H145 Tom

Water rescue equipment

Going down the wire into water is a specialist skill. Having the right equipment is vital.
The Trust has provided all crew with the latest individual Hyperfreak wetsuits along with fins, snorkles, masks, and gloves. Having these personalised sets of equipment helps ensure that when a call comes in for a water rescue, the crew can respond immediately.
Donate now
_water

Zoll monitor and defibrillator

The Zoll monitor and defibrillator units are purpose designed for pre-hospital environments.
Paramedics use the defibrillator to treat life-threatening heart rhythms. These units fit onto the ceiling tracks of the H145 making it easier for paramedics to monitor a patient’s vital signs.
The data these devices capture during flight is relayed in real time to the receiving hospital, supporting a seamless transition to the specialist care a patient requires.
Donate now
_winch (1)

ARES anti-spin device

Being winched into a helicopter on a stretcher can be a traumatic experience for patients, particularly as a spinning motion can occur.
The ARES anti-spin sail helps eliminate this from occurring. The Trust’s purchase of a leg extension board allows crews to stabilise and support leg and spinal injuries during winch operations.
Donate now
_winch

Night vision goggles

Rescue helicopter crews across Canterbury and the West Coast are the first in New Zealand to have access to Fenn Night Vision Goggles.
These goggles allow the crew to see in low-light or dark conditions by amplifying faint light or detecting heat sources.
The Trust has purchased eight sets of Fenn Night Vision Goggles, which are being introduced across the service now.
Donate now
_NVG

Portable ultrasound machine

A portable ultrasound machine helps the crew rapidly identify life-threatening conditions.

With this machine, the rescue crew can see live images of soft tissue – for example seeing if the patient has any free fluid in the abdomen or chest, identifying potential sources of bleeding, and checking lung functionality.

The information the ultrasound provides gives paramedics a deeper level of information which informs treatment decisions.

Donate now
_ultrasound

Crew training

The rescue helicopter crew never know what each day will bring – they need to be trained for every eventuality.

The Trust has invested significantly in crew training to ensure the crew are not only competent but also confident for whatever a mission brings.

Recent training we have invested in includes Instrument Flight Rules training for pilots, avalanche training for crew, winch training, clinical education, and water rescue training. We have also supported crew attendance at Aeromedical Conferences.

Donate now
_avalanche

This Chopper Appeal we need to raise $100,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopters across Canterbury and the West Coast.

Can you help?

Be part of the life-saving puzzle. Donate today.

News and stories from our staff, patients, families and investors that make the difference…

Brent on the hillside with Scott and Matt

Our Stories

Find out how your donations continue to support 
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue.
Read more
Website template 750 x 563

Support Us

Donate today and support our lifesaving mission.
Donate
Principal Sponsor
Most Trusted Brand 3 years
Air Rescue and Community Services logo
GCH Aviation logo

Join our community of caring people.

Newsletter

Join our community of caring people.By submitting this form, you consent to Air Rescue storing this information and sending you marketing communications. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Read more in our Privacy Policy.