Pupils win rides in Tranz Rail helicopter

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 686, 13 May 1997, Page 5

Pupils win rides in Tranz Rail helicopter

By

Anne

McElwain

Five Waiouru Primary School pupils were chosen to take a short ride in the Tranz Rail helicopter last week after winning a helicopter colouring competition. The helicopter "belongs to all of us," said pilot Guy Beange as he spoke to the children who crowded around the helicopter in the senior field of the school. From the new entrants to the Year 8 pupils, and some of the assembled parents, all were entranced by being in such close proximity to a rescue helicopter. The winch, night sun (light), life-support equipment, and stretchers all re-

ceived their share of attention during the talk from the personnel accompanying the helicopter and during the question and answer session afterwards. Mr Beange was assisted in his presentation by intermediate care officer Bruce Tolhopf and a member of the Palmerston North Police Search and Rescue Team, Peter Cross. They emphasised the importartce of the "golden hour" as one of the main reasons that the rescue helicopter plays such a vital part in saving the life of a critically injured patient. The chances of that person surviving are increased by 90 percent if they can be taken to the most appropriate

hospital to deal with their . injuries within one hour. This fully-dedicated, rapid response helicopter works only for the emergency services, covering an area from Mount Ruapehu to Waikanae. It is fully equipped to provide life support for one patient and can be airborne within five . minutes. With an air speed of 220 km/hr, it can get from its base in Palmerston North to Waiouru in 30 minutes. Funding for the rescue helicopter comes through corporate support from Tranz Rail and from community support through such organisations as Friends of the Helicopter which offers memberships at a cost of $35. Tranz Rail supports three rescue helicopters, which are based in Palmerston North, Taupo and Westport. The chopper also called on Ohakune Primary School and Ruapehu College.