Equipment
The rescue helicopters carry the latest medical technologies and state of the art equipment.
The equipment has ICU level functionality and consistency enabling paramedics to deliver the highest possible care to patients.
Each helicopter carries:
- Primary bag of medical equipment
- Secondary bag of medical equipment
- Corpuls Monitor/Defibrillator
- Hamilton T1 Ventilator
- Syringe Driver
- Laerdal Compact Suction Unit
- Splint Bag - Vacuum, traction, pelvic
- Stryker M1 Stretchers
- Portable Oxygen
The most utilised piece of equipment is the Corpuls monitor which enables the crew to monitor patients’ heart rhythm, blood pressure (non-invasive and invasive), oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. It also has the ability to pace and defibrillate.
Additional medical equipment carried as required:
- Evac-U-Splint vacuum mattress
- Corpuls mechanical CPR device
The latest addition to the suite of equipment is the Corpuls mechanical CPR device. This enables the crew to perform CPR throughout a flight as well as maintaining CPR during the transition to the appropriate hospital department. The CPR device can be controlled via bluetooth by the monitor/defibrillator.
Other equipment carried (as required):
- Life Jackets and Immersion Suits
- Night Vision Goggles - third generation AN/AVS-g
- Air Rescue System winch stretcher & rescue vest
The rescue helicopters are all certified for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations and use the latest technology goggles available (AN / AVIS 9). The introduction of NVGs has been the single most important advance in night flying operations for the rescue helicopter service in decades and has significantly enhanced the overall safety of the flight crew, while allowing for a better operational capability.
Helicopters Otago Limited was instrumental in introducing Night Vision Goggles into New Zealand and they are now used by many emergency rescue helicopter operations throughout the country.
The introduction required the consent and approval of the US State Department and the New Zealand Government.
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