A Bay of Plenty rescue helicopter saved 51 lives throughout October.

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter attended two medical emergencies, six motor vehicle accidents and six miscellaneous missions.

Eight of the total missions reached “remote and hard-to-access” rural areas, doubling since the previous month’s count of four.

The helicopter was called to an ocean rescue in Pāpāmoa last month.

Urgent inter-hospital transfers made up 55% of all Aerocool Rescue Helicopter flights, transporting 29 patients, a spokesperson for the rescue helicopter said.

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter’s missions took them across and beyond the Bay of Plenty.

The month began with a rescue in Port Charles, transporting the patient to Tauranga Hospital.

Recues were also performed in Matatā, Whakatāne, Putāruru, Matakana Island, Waihau Bay, Ōhope Beach and Whangamatā.

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter transported most patients to Tauranga Hospital, and some to Middlemore and Auckland Hospital.

Four missions were carried out on October 31.

The rescue helicopter was dispatched to Whakatāne Hospital in the early hours to transport a female patient to Auckland City Hospital for further care, a spokesperson said.

Another inter-region trip occurred in the afternoon, with a patient transported from Tauranga Hospital to Middlemore Hospital.

Crew wearing night-vision goggles. Photo / Supplied

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter transported another patient from Tokoroa Hospital to Waikato Hospital.

“The day ended with the rescue helicopter assisting a male in critical condition following a motor vehicle accident at Tanners Point. The patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment,” a spokesperson said.

“The rescue helicopter responded to a variety of missions during October, including transferring critically ill patients, responding to emergencies in rural communities, and providing urgent medical support.”

During night time missions, the crew wore specialised equipment including night-vision goggles.

But their current goggles were almost 20 years old.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust – the charity responsible for fundraising for community rescue helicopters in the North Island – depend on community support and is asking for donations to fund the vital equipment.

Donations can be made here: Donate Online to the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter | Philips Search and Rescue Trust.

- Content supplied by the Philips Rescue Helicopter Trust