Top gear at Raetihi Hospital

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 251, 19 July 1988, Page 5

Top gear at Raetihi Hospital

Waimarino Hospital is on a par with Wanganui Base Hospital with regards to the quality of their life support equipment, according to Acting General Manager Rob England.

Mr England made this statement at last week's presentation of a portable heart monitor to the hospital by representatives of the Waimarino Rescue Trust. The machine will be used in conjunction with the Waimarino Rescue helicopter. It

will be serviced and maintained by the Wanganui Area Health Board and operated by hospital staff, either at Waimarino Hospital or during helicopter rescue operations. The planned purchase of a suction machine will complete a range of equipment that will

enable the hospital to cater for any emergency. The need for a helicopter rescue unit in the Waimarino was recognised in March 1985. A trust was formed of Ruapehu Lions members Ian Strachan and Terry Tapp, and helicopter pilot Louisa Pattersen in conjunction with Ruapehu Lions with assistance from Rotary and a host of other supporters. The Waimarino was

canvassed for funds and culminated in a Radiothon organised and run by Radio 2XR's station manager Dave Campbell. The highly successful campaign raised $49,000. The money was used to outfit Wanganui Aero Works' Bell Jet Ranger with stretchers and life support equipment. A litter kit costing $21,000 was purchased. Modifications to the helicopter' s interior cost a further $6400. Since then the rescue helicopter has been used on numerous occasions. From January this year alone Pilot Jim Reed has carried out eight rescues and been involved in four searches, proving yet again the worth of the service. . The current trustees of the Waimarino Rescue Trust are Terry Tap (chairman), Dorothy Scarrow (Wanganui Area Health Board), Paul Green (Department of Conservation), Neil Coker (NZ Police), Jim Reed (Wanganui Aero Works) and Bob Walker (ACC). Members of the Trust are confident that the wishes of those who donated so generously in 1985 are being carried out to a very high standard.