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The advantages of the West Coast’s new H145 helicopter were evident in this night winch rescue off Peak Hill Track.

The rescue helicopter was requested at this job by fire and ambulance crews on the ground. They couldn`t get the patient out due to the steep terrain and scree slopes.

With the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter unable to take off due to weather, the West Coast’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to help.

A Critical Care Paramedic was winched down to the patient. Initial assessments were carried before the patient and paramedic were winched up into the helicopter.

With deteriorating weather in Christchurch, the decision was made to transfer the patient to the care of Hato Hone St John.

This rescue was West Coast Paramedic and Winch Operator Joshua’s third job in the West Coast’s new H145 rescue helicopter, and his first night winch job.

“The lighting on the H145 is amazing. It has a massive light on the tail that gives amazing vision down-the-wire for winching and illuminates the area below the helicopter where the patient is.

“The winch on the H145 is also faster so you spend less time over top of the patient and medic, meaning you can get in and out a bit quicker.”

Joshua says the H145 is also just nicer to work out of.

“It’s so much more ergonomic and provides more space to care for the patient. It’s just way better!”

The Canterbury and West Coast rescue helicopter service is operated by GCH Aviation. While located on separate sides of the main divide, the crews work side-by-side, supporting each other to provide cohesive coverage across the region.

The West Coast’s new H145 helicopter is the first of three new H145s the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has purchased for the service. The second H145 is in service across Canterbury. The third is currently being commissioned and is expected to be mission-ready in the coming months.