A medical emergency in the Bay of Plenty sparked a rescue helicopter callout.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Waihau Bay at 2pm on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the rescue chopper says a man was suffering from a medical event.

'The 81-year-old had collapsed and had a brief unconscious episode. He was airlifted to Whakatane Hospital for assessment and treatment.”

Philips Search and Rescue Trust, which the Tauranga-based rescue helicopter comes under, is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations.

'Special thanks to Tauranga's principal sponsors, Trustpower and TECT. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient.”