How we support the service

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.

Our investment in the service ensures the crew have the very best training and equipment to help them save lives – even on the most challenging missions or with the most unwell patients. We have supported the life-saving rescue helicopter service across Canterbury and the West Coast since 1989.

Here are some of the latest ways we have invested in your rescue helicopter service.

Airbus H145 helicopters

The Trust has purchased three Airbus H145 helicopters to service Canterbury and the West Coast. This has been the biggest transformation the rescue helicopter service has seen in its 40-year history. The first H145 was launched into service in December 2025, with the final one joining the service in July 2026.

The H145 is the gold standard in air rescue, with advanced avionics, Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, and more space to provide critical care.

Support the service – donate today

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

Our rescue helicopters can fly in poor visibility and low cloud conditions thanks to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This is particularly important in our region.

Along with the purchase of the IFR capable H145 helicopters, the Trust has invested in the development of IFR routes, regional helipads, and pilot training.

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

Keep the helicopters flying by donating today

Advanced medical technology

Our investment in advanced medical equipment allows crews to diagnose faster, treat more effectively, and stabilise patients in critical moments. Recent equipment purchases include:

Zoll monitor and defibrillator units, used to monitor vital signs and treat patients with abnormal heart rhythms,
EMMA capnography kits, used for those patients requiring pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation, and
Portable ultrasound machines, to help the crew rapidly identify life-threatening conditions.

Support the crew to have the medical equipment they require

Specialist crew equipment

We are helping the crew deliver the highest standard of care even in the most challenging environments, by providing specialist equipment.

Thanks to your support, our crews are the first in NZ to fly with Fenn Night Vision Goggles. We’ve also recently equipped every crew member with individual water rescue gear.

Keep the crew equipped by donating today

Cockpit and winch simulator

Our investment in a cockpit and winch simulator is revolutionising how we prepare rescue helicopter crews for the life-or-death situations they face every day.

The Entrol simulator, installed at the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base, is one of only a handful of joint cockpit and winch simulator in the world. It allows crews to train together and practise emergency scenarios as if they are real, without any risk to staff or aircraft.

Support life-saving equipment

Crew training

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

The Trust has invested significantly in crew training to ensure the crew are competent and confident for whatever a mission brings.

Recent training includes

Instrument Flight Rules training for pilots
avalanche training for crew
winch training
clinical education
water rescue training

Support the crew’s ongoing training

Hear from the crew about the difference the Trust’s support makes. Watch the video below.

A picture from the video with an arrow for people to press for the video to play

6M+

Total fundraising target per annum

Support your rescue helicopter. Donate today.

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

Brent on the hillside with Scott and Matt

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