“We have been very lucky to have support from Mitre 10 in Greymouth for many years. Dave Smith and his team have been there so many times when we have needed essential equipment. In this case I visited Dave with Stu Drake and Hernan Holliday, crew from the ROA Mining Rescue Helicopter, Hernan, an Intensive Care Paramedic explained why they needed this “transport  ventilator” and how it would help patients. Dave immediately offered to help and reached out to get the support from Troy Scanlon, Mitre 10 in Westport, Troy and the team understand the role the Rescue Helicopter plays in their community  and got behind the fundraising 100%. Times are particularly challenging currently so we are very grateful for the support from West Coast Mitre 10, this helps us provide the best possible patient care on the West Coast. 

Kirsty Mann, Crewman/Intensive Care Flight Paramedic said when we attend patients in emergency situations who require support to breathe, our priority is to provide them with life-saving ventilation. To do this safely and effectively we must ensure that the breathing rate and ventilation pressures are correct, but this can be challenging using manual equipment in the pre-hospital environment, especially given the long distances and extended flight times we often face. Our new mechanical ventilator is a game-changer – it allows us to deliver safer care with the ability to accurately control the rate, volume and pressure of oxygen delivery as required for each individual patient and their clinical condition. It also frees us up to provide additional advanced care during flight since the ventilator breathes for the patient rather than a medic having to continuously deliver breaths manually by squeezing a bag. We’ve already had cause to use the ventilator and we’re so glad that we’re now carrying this life-saving piece of equipment to help improve outcomes for our sickest patients.

Pictured:

Kirsty Mann, GCH Aviation, Crewman / Intensive Care Flight Paramedic

Dylan Schwartz – St John, Intensive Care Flight Paramedic

May is Chopper Appeal month and this year is very different, we are used to joining the Westpac team shaking our buckets and organising fundraisers; it is our main fundraising drive for the year and so we are very reliant on the funds, if you would like to support Chopper Appeal and the ROA Rescue Helicopter you can visit your local Westpac branch or www.chopperappeal.co.nz