Backlash saves Rescue Helicopters

[riffer]

Hitcher has been quite vocal about this, after Mrs Hitcher's bin and subsequent airlifting to Palmie Hospital.

Now Hitcher, I realise you are a spin doctor for a Government department, but tell me mate, just exactly how much clout do you have politically?

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dominionpost/0,2106,3161437a6030,00.html

An excellent result. :niceone:

[Lou Girardin]

You would have seen a rise in the road toll if that had happened. A very good friend died partly because the chopper was so slow getting to him.

[jrandom]

Excellent stuff.

Democracy *functioning* for once. Who'da thunk it.

[spudchucka]

Common sense prevails, a rare event these days. I agree about the road toll, choppers make a huge difference, LTSA should be contributing funds to keep the choppers flying.

[toads]

hallelujah!, common sense prevails for once, I had nearly given up on anything remotely practical ever winning the day, and the sun is shining today, that's so sad about your friend Lou, I guess there is still a lot of work to be done yet with the communication area of emergency services eh!

[Jonty]

Great result! :Punk:

Although after speaking with a relation of mine who is a paramedic, they must ensure that these rescue helicopters remain for serious emergencies. The Otago rescue chopper (apparently) makes many flights merely to pick up patient transfers and not necessarily emergency ones!! In emergencies the choppers are invaluable, but they need to used efficiently so we can (a) afford them and (b) so they are not tied up on call outs when an ambulance could have sufficed.

Very glad to hear the chopper remains!!

[zooter]

Kind of off the topic, but what's up with sending a Dunedin helicopter up to Queenstown when there's one in Queenstown already? At the time there was no reason given to justify the delay. The organisation of these things obviously leaves a bit to be desired and a shakeup is probably in order.

[Storm]

Stoked to hear the good news
:2thumbsup

[avgas]

Great result! :Punk:
Although after speaking with a relation of mine who is a paramedic, they must ensure that these rescue helicopters remain for serious emergencies. The Otago rescue chopper (apparently) makes many flights merely to pick up patient transfers and not necessarily emergency ones!!
Very glad to hear the chopper remains!!
I have to agree here, but as for moving the choppers to the centres.What was the deal of moving them anyhow? Doesnt that remove the point in having a multi-terrain, universal, rescue vehicle anyhow? I mean how many ambu's can get to the bush routes etc in a hurry?