In December 2024, the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust welcomed Nick James, Jani-King (NZ) Chief Executive, onto the GCH Aviation base, home to the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopters.
Nick needed urgent assistance from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to get him to Christchurch Hospital after a serious accident on a friend’s farm at the end of 2023.
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust CEO, Christine Prince, explains that this service is a lifeline for people who are out of the main centres, “Farmers know better than most how isolated they can be, working far from medical help. The speed and skill of our rescue helicopter crews can mean the difference between life and death. The crews regularly attend accidents and medical events on farms ensuring that help is never out of reach for our community”.
A year earlier, in December 2023, Nick and his son Noah were cattle mustering with their friend Andy Mason, a well-known farmer located in the picturesque high-country of North Canterbury.
The adventure began early, with the team hiking rugged, gorse-laden terrain to herd cattle. But as the day unfolded, disaster struck. On a steep incline, Nick lost his footing, slipped on a rock, and landed heavily. Nick was in considerable pain, and it was clear that he had dislocated his left shoulder and needed some expert medical help.
With no mobile phone reception in the remote location that the accident happened, Andy needed to act fast and was able to use his Polaris 4-wheel drive to get to the top of the hill where there was coverage. Phoning 111 he explained that they were currently far from road access but needed urgent help.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew was airborne within minutes of being tasked, with pilot Andy, critical care paramedic Kath and paramedic crew Scott on board. On arrival they administered much-needed relief and after a thorough assessment, Kath diagnosed that the dislocated shoulder couldn’t be treated on-site despite their best efforts. Indeed, further examinations at the hospital revealed the injury was even more severe than initially thought: the shoulder was also broken in three places. Nick recalls the relief he felt as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived with the crew – the Rescue Helicopter was the only option that day.
A year on, Nick has recovered well, and the experience has left a lasting impression. “The professionalism and dedication of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter team were nothing short of amazing. That’s why Jani-King (NZ) is proud to support this vital service” he said as he donated to support the service.
“Supporting the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, Jani-King (NZ) hopes to give back to a charity that provides critical assistance when it’s needed most—whether it’s a high-country rescue or a medical emergency.”
Originally printed in Canterbury Farming February 2025