Over 445 lives were saved by the TECT Rescue Helicopter crew so far this year, up to November 2021.

Inter-hospital transfers, winch rescues, motor vehicle accidents, farm/rural rescues, medical events and search and rescues were all missions attended to throughout the year, helping patients get the medical care they need rapidly, saving lives across the North Island every single day.

The year started with a busy month for the crew, carrying out 53 missions in January. That's at least 1 mission every day. While kiwis were out doing the things they love over the summer period, the rescue helicopter crew were always rescue-ready.

With winter coming into play, the high demand continued.

From motor vehicle accidents to medical events and rescues, the TECT Rescue Helicopter carried out 104 missions from June to August.

Throughout the year, the TECT Rescue Helicopter was seen in various different locations including Whakatāne, Matakana Island, Te Kaha, Coromandel and Ōpōtiki, to name a few.

The rescue helicopter at a Lake Rotokawau job. Supplied.

Whakatāne was the most visited location, with 35 missions being carried out to Whakatāne Hospital.

Every second counts in a rescue situation. A rescue helicopter can provide medical care to a patient in need much faster than a road ambulance, particularly when the patient is in rural or remote areas. This could be the life-saving factor.

Rural missions made up over 24 per cent of missions in 2021, with the TECT Rescue Helicopter carrying out 108 missions to rural or remote areas.

Another 14 were carried out to bush walking or hiking incidents to which the patients required a rescue helicopter.

Whilst many of us are looking forward to a well-earned break after a challenging year, the rescue crew is gearing up for a busy holiday season.

The TECT Rescue Helicopter will remain operational 24/7 throughout the entire holiday period, meaning the residents of the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Waikato can rest assured knowing they will be there if needed.

'The greatest gift you could give this Christmas is time, time for patients to spend with their loved ones this holiday period,” says a TECT Rescue spokesperson.

'Help keep these life-saving missions available to your family and friends this summer. Donate today at rescue.org.nz.”