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Press Release – Westpac Rescue Helicopter
The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter today airlifted two unwell trampers from the Tararua Ranges north of
Wellington.

The second call from the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, to a 406 beacon operating, was received at approximately 4.20pm this afternoon.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic on board, was directed to an area near Penn Creek by the beacons on board GPS receiver.

“The helicopter is equipped with directional location finding equipment for the new 406 emergency beacons” said helicopter crewman Colin Larsen, “this was used to track the activating beacon to the Penn Creek Hut.”

The helicopter was able to land not far from the hut and found a 45 year old Palmerston North lady who was unwell.

The patient was able to walk the short distance to the helicopter with assistance from the crew and paramedic.

She has been taken to the Wellington Hospital Emergency Department where she is being further assessed and treated.

This second party of 2 trampers had originally been
travelling with 2 trampers who were airlifted out of the Tararua Ranges by the Wellington-based Westpac rescue helicopter this morning.

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