Northpower safe, reliable, hassle free service.

Helicopter Rescue

Electricity rescue helicopter appeal continues to fly The Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2008. Northpower is very proud to have supported the rescue helicopter since its inception, continuing to run the annual fundraising appeal.

By meeting the costs of the appeal to ensure that every dollar raised goes towards the service, and by matching public donations dollar for dollar, Northpower makes a significant contribution to keeping this lifesaving service in the air over Northland. With over 650 rescue missions per annum, Northland’s rescue helicopter has certainly touched the lives of a great number of people. Given the rural isolation of much of Northland and the response times associated with deploying rescue services, the rescue helicopter performs a vital life-saving function.

Last year the service enabled 672 patients to receive urgent medical help, including babies, people rescued at sea, and accident victims.

For more information visit the Northland Emergency Services Trust website

Robbie Silcock, Whangarei

Working in isolated areas can be dangerous. Robbie Silcock found this out when he fell two metres from scaffolding, smashing his leg on the deck on the way down. The accident took place at an isolated Mangawhai property, he describes as ‘off the beaten track’.

He lay in pain and rain began to fall. Robbie’s workmates were unable to move him; they reacted quickly, checked his vital signs and swiftly built a makeshift cover. With the temporary cover built, the injured builder and his anxious workmates awaited the arrival of the emergency services.

The ambulance arrived and the officers administered pain killers and created a splint for his broken leg. The thought of travelling along the bumpy, lengthy farm track used to access to the property, cattle-stop after cattle-stop, was too much for Robbie.

Robbie heard the thud of a helicopter in the distance. The dull noise of rota blades was not unusual as the owner of the property often used a helicopter to access it. As Robbie was lifted into the back of the ambulance, the thudding noise got louder and the helicopter came into sight, landing only a few hundred yards away. The helicopter (and the pain killers) provided much needed relief.
Once in the helicopter it was smooth flying. Robbie relaxed as he was hurried over the sea to arrive safely at Whangarei hospital.

Robbie said that what happened to him could have happened to anyone at anytime. Although his injuries were ‘painful to say the least’, the helicopter made his experience all the more bearable.
Accidents and isolation are a bad combination, which is why the Electricity Rescue Helicopter is an essential part of Northland’s health service. Robbie’s’ leg has healed but he still has some discomfort. He is however, reassured knowing that the helicopter continues to fly our skies and respond so quickly to those who need it.

Jack Manga, Ahipara, Far North

While watching the kids play and enjoying a quiet afternoon with a friend, Jo Manga had no idea of what was in store for her five-year-old son, Jack.

A piercing scream filled the air. Jo knew it was her son. She ran to the trampoline to find Jack lying limp and in a lot of pain.

Playing on the trampoline, as children do, Jack had landed awkwardly, twisting his arm under his body. Too nervous to move him in case of causing more pain Jo left him and covered him with a blanket, as they waited for the ambulance.

Met by a great team of medical professionals at Kaitaia hospital, Jack was assessed very quickly. He had a badly dislocated elbow and had a supracondylar fracture in his arm– a very serious injury.
When the results from his X-ray returned the medical team realised the severity of the injury. With his pulse weakening, the medical team opted to fly Jack to Whangarei hospital for surgery. Jo reveals that she was quietly relieved as she knew an air trip would be easier on Jack. When she saw the helicopter she began to relax. The medical team and the pilots on board were brilliant, taking care of both her and Jack. Jo later learned from a surgeon that when Jack arrived in Whangarei he had no pulse in his injured arm making Jo extremely grateful for Electricity Rescue Helicopter.

Nearly a year on Jack has a regular physio routine where he works hard to regain the ability to straighten his fingers and have full use of his arm. Although he has made good progress, Jack will never be able to completely straighten his arm.

Jo believes it is essential that a service like the Electricity Rescue Helicopter exists, especially in the isolated areas of the Far North where it is often the difference between life and death.

Back to Top