Whether it’s helping at the scene of an accident, taking part in search and rescue or an emergency medical dash to hospital, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter teams save lives. No-one ever expects to need their services but in a time of crisis, those in trouble could not hope for a more professional crew – a crew who are trained to deal with physical trauma, as well as help alleviate the anxiety of those in their care. 

The Auckland-based Westpac Rescue Helicopters are staffed full-time by a highly experienced flight crew consisting of pilots, paramedics and crewmen. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, flying well over 1000 rescue missions a year – and are reliant on sponsorship and fundraising to keep them airborne. There is no charge to those who need their services and the majority of funding for this unique service comes from the community, through sponsors like Westpac and people like us.

Each term the School Council at the Boys’ School arrange a mufti day in support of a charity of their choosing. This term their focus was on the Rescue Helicopters raising over $2,700 on the day in support of the Trust. As an added incentive, the boys organised an art competition for all year levels, with those judged the best being afforded an amazing opportunity to try out the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Flight Simulator at school!

The Trust’s pilots complete about 30% of their IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) training in the simulator. The chosen boys were able to gain an experience close to flying the ‘real thing’ – an incredibly exciting opportunity for the lucky few when the simulator came to school this week!

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