Arthur's Story
A life on crutches is a constant physical reminder for Arthur Garrod, whose accident required the urgent assistance of the air ambulance.
The Westpac Air Ambulance is a nationally recognised, accredited provider of Level 1 and 2 aero-medical transport services, bedside-to-bedside, throughout New Zealand. Equipped with the latest available medical equipment, our highly experienced medical crew can accommodate one or two stretcher patients, non-stop, to any location in New Zealand.
Crewed by a team of emergency doctors, advanced paramedics and flight nurses, these flights form part of the region’s emergency response network, designed to get medical care to trauma victims swiftly.
Level 1 medical transfer
Crewed by an intensive care doctor and flight nurse, these flights typically transport highly acute adult patients to hospitals specialising in more definative care, New Zealand-wide.
Level 1 medical transfer
Equipped with the latest incubator technology and crewed by a paediatric doctor and paediatric flight nurse, these flights transport highly acute infants to hospitals specialising in more definitive care, New Zealand-wide.
Level 1 medical transfer
Crewed by a specialist midwife and flight nurse these flights transport women in premature labour, those experiencing labour complications, or when foetal complications exist.
Level 2 medical transfer
Crewed by our own full time flight nurses, these flights transport medium acuity patients requiring specialist treatment services to and from tertiary hospitals New Zealand-wide.
Our most recently acquired aircraft is fitted with a large cargo-type door and equipped with a purpose built composite, electrically operated stretcher system, allowing for the loading and unloading of patients up-to 300kg without manual lifting.
The opportunity to meet our recovered and recovering patients is truly rewarding. Established in the late 1980s our team have flown numerous patients in need of medical transport and search and rescue throughout the Pacific.
Here are some of their unique stories.
The Westpac Air Ambulance employs a team of experienced, dedicated professionals. The pilots and medical team strive to ensure a safe, quality experience for all involved.
Operations Manager
With over 25 years flying experience, 17 of those with Air New Zealand, Massey has a busy role as Operations Manager for the Westpac Air Ambulance. An experienced trainer and examiner of airline pilots, Massey brings a wealth of knowledge to our team.
First Officer
Prior to joining the Westpac Air Ambulance as a First Officer, Alyce worked as a flight instructor, flew scenic mountain flights and parachuting operations. She enjoys the blend of aviation and medical, paired with the high operating standards of the air ambulance, and takes pride in flying a unique aircraft.
Flight Nurse
Permal is a trained General and Obstetric nurse. He joined the Westpac Air Ambulance as a certified Flight Nurse in 2009 in a part-time capacity while working in the ICU at Waikato Hospital. Permal loved flying with the air ambulance team so much he took on a full time position in 2014.
Training Pilot
Previously a flight examiner and training Captain within the Air New Zealand group, Paul has over 20 years of flying experience. Paul enjoys being employed in a workplace where he gets operate a sophisticated aircraft in an ever changing and
diverse environment all the while making a difference to the patients outcome. Paul believes this to be a privilege few pilots get, making it a thoroughly rewarding job.
Captain
Carlee has been flying for 15 years and has a diverse background including flying for a commercial airline, spending time as an ambulance officer, and spending several years flying medical operations in Africa. Carlee loves that her role enables her to combine her passion for people and flying.
Flight Nurse
The newest recruit to the Westpac Air Ambulance team, Manda discovered flight nursing while studying to become a nurse. She is currently completing her post-graduate certificate in Aeromedical Transport and Retrieval. She loves that her job is different everyday, and that she gets to fly above the clouds and see the sunshine.
First Officer
Cameron started flying when he was 18, and has held many different positions within the aviation industry in Australia and New Zealand. His combined love of flying and medicine is what drew him to the Westpac Air Ambulance and he’s proud to be part of a team making such a big difference in patients’ lives.
Medical Director
Muir is currently an Emergency Physician at Waikato Hospital. He has an extensive background in trauma and emergency medicine with a special interest in disaster medicine and preparedness. He is responsible for all aero-medical transport flights for the Westpac Air Ambulance.
Founded in 1985, Philips Search and Rescue Trust was formed to deliver a critical community service, providing air health and rescue services to the public.
Philips Search & Rescue Trust is the charity responsible for fundraising and promotion of the North Island’s Westpac Air Ambulance.
Powered by a professional crew of captains, first officers, flight nurse, intensive care paramedics and doctors, Philips Search and Rescue Trust aims to provide the highest standard of air ambulance services. We believe that through building enduring relationships with the communities we operate within, we can save lives.
In addition to the Westpac Air Ambulance, the Trust operates four rescue helicopter bases throughout the central North Island including:
Contact the Westpac Air Ambulance team or obtain a quote for this service.