1,000 Persons Flown Since February 2005

Representatives with New Zealand's Life Flight Trust told ANN the Auckland-based air ambulance service reached an important milestone recently. Over 1,000 people have flown with the service since it started in February last year -- 579 patients and 480 family/support people.

The service, based at Auckland International Airport, ensures that patients needing access to specialist healthcare services are flown there quickly, supported by a team of aero-medical professionals. Life Flight simply describes it as "intensive care in the sky".

"We work closely with the Auckland DHB to provide the service and have a strong medical team: whether it is an 82 year old patient requiring specialist cardiac treatment or a premature baby getting flown in a purpose-built incubator to Auckland’s Starship Children’s Health, Life Flight truly helps save lives" says Ian Lauder, Auckland Operations Manager for Life Flight. "We can also carry up to 4 family members/support people to be with their loved one in a time of trauma which is invaluable to those involved."

Kevin Allan, Life Flight’s General Manager adds: "We would not have been able to help so many people get the specialist care they need without the fantastic support Life Flight receives from the New Zealand Community Trust, the principal funder of the Auckland service."

Life Flight NZ Air Ambulance Service works alongside the Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter, with both programs funded by the Life Flight Trust.

FMI: www.lifeflight.org.nz