The public are being asked to help support the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter as the rescue crew find themselves responding to a surge in life-saving missions at the start of 2025.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, serving the coastal Bay of Plenty region, began 2025 with an extraordinary surge in demand.

On New Year’s Day alone, the dedicated crew completed seven critical missions, providing rapid response to both medical emergencies and accidents.

“We applaud our beyond amazing rescue helicopter crew for keeping loved ones together this summer,” a Philips Search & Rescue Trust spokesperson said.

“Every dollar counts in critical moments. Help us gear up this summer and together, we can make a life-saving impact.”

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew on New Year's Eve. Photo/Supplied.

The first mission of the year took the crew airborne to transport a male in life-threatening condition from Taupo Hospital to Waikato Hospital for urgent medical care.

Just 20 minutes later, the crew was called to Hahei, where they treated and transported a male patient injured in an accident.

The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic stabilised the patient before he was flown to Auckland City Hospital for further treatment.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter flew from Rotorua to Auckland on January 1, 2025. Photo/Supplied

Later that morning, the helicopter crew was dispatched to Rotorua Hospital to assist a male patient who had sustained serious injuries after a significant fall. The patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for additional care.

In a quick turnaround, the rescue helicopter was again called into action, this time to Matakana Island, where a male patient was in critical condition. The crew swiftly transported him to Tauranga Hospital for further treatment.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter flew from Rotorua to Auckland on January 1, 2025. Photo/Supplied

The pace continued as the crew responded to an urgent call from Tauranga Hospital for a female patient requiring immediate transfer to Waikato Hospital.

This was followed by another mission, this time to Rotorua Hospital, where a male patient needed to be airlifted to Auckland City Hospital for advanced medical care.

As evening approached, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter was once again dispatched to Rotorua Hospital for a female patient in critical condition.

The crew provided swift transport to Auckland City Hospital, ensuring she received the specialised care she needed.

The view from the the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter as the crew flew over Tauranga harbour. Photo/Supplied.

These seven missions in just one day highlight the life-saving work carried out by the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew. Their dedication and tireless efforts are a vital lifeline for the Bay of Plenty community, especially during the busy summer months.

The community is urged to continue supporting the rescue helicopter service, as every dollar makes a difference in these critical moments.

Donations can be made at Aerocool Rescue Helicopter Donation Page.