Philips Search & Rescue Trust: Waikato receives new helicopter as charity reaches milestone

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s a new rescue helicopter! The bright red five-blade Airbus H145 D3 replaced the old BK117 and took to the skies above Waikato, Coromandel and King Country last month with upgraded equipment and increased cabin space. The $20 million helicopter was purchased by Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) and is one of nine upgraded air ambulance helicopters that will soon operate all around the country. “The Airbus H145 rescue helicopter is the international gold standard helicopter for air ambulance and rescue services worldwide,” PSRT general manager Vanessa Richmond said.

“It is designed specifically for demanding, high-stakes missions, allowing rescue crews to respond faster, reach more remote locations, and with increased cabin space provide improved critical care in flight.”.