Canterbury’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter has seen a 40 per cent rise in mission numbers. Photo: SuppliedCanterbury's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has seen a 40 per cent rise in mission numbers. Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust chief executive Christine Prince says the Covid-19 lockdown could account for some of the overall increase but it is an ongoing trend. As anticipated, mission numbers have increased this winter, with more people travelling locally and an increased risk of accident injuries and medical missions in the colder months." "In remote and hard-to-reach areas, the rescue helicopter service can mean the difference between life and death."

Source: Otago Daily Times August 11, 2021 02:26 UTC