As Christmas approaches and the Bay of Plenty fills with holidaymakers, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew is gearing up for one of its busiest seasons.

In October alone, the team responded to 51 missions – a reminder that emergencies don’t pause for the holidays. From medical events to remote-area accidents, the crew delivers rapid critical care wherever it’s needed.

Philip’s Search and Rescue Trust’s head of fundraising and marketing Sharni Weir said the festive season, while joyful for many, often brings an increase in emergencies.

“A lot of people are out exploring and making the most of the sunshine,” she said. “Unfortunately, that also means more callouts. When someone’s Christmas turns upside down, we’re often the ones bringing help – and hope – as fast as possible.”

A significant number of missions take place after dark, when reaching patients is even more challenging. Night operations rely on specialised Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), allowing crews to land safely in forests, beaches, farms and rural roads. But the goggles currently in use are nearly 20 years old.

“These older goggles have served us well, but they’re becoming harder to maintain,” Weir said. “If even one pair fails, it can seriously impact our ability to respond at night – and people depend on us.”

This Christmas, the crew is asking the community to help fund upgraded NVGs. New technology will keep the team safer and ensure they can continue bringing others safely home.

“Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the lights shining for someone who needs us,” Weir said.

Give the gift of sight this Christmas. Support your Aerocool Rescue Helicopter: https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/aerocool-rescue-helicopter/donate

As Christmas approaches and the Bay of Plenty fills with holidaymakers, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew are preparing for one of their busiest times of the year.

October alone saw 51 missions – each one a reminder that emergencies don’t wait, not even for Christmas.

From medical events to accidents in remote locations, the helicopter crew was there, delivering rapid critical care wherever and whenever it was needed.

Philip’s Search and Rescue Trust’s head of fundraising and marketing Sharni Weir said that, while the festive season is a time of joy for most families, it can also be a time when unexpected emergencies strike.

“A lot of people are out exploring, travelling and making the most of the sunshine,” Weir said. “Unfortunately, that also means more callouts. When someone’s Christmas turns upside down, we’re often the ones bringing help – and hope – as fast as possible.”

An Aerocool Rescue Helicopter night mission. Photo / Supplied.

Many of these missions happen after dark, when reaching a patient is even more challenging.

Flying at night depends on specialised Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), which allow the crew to land safely in forests, beaches, farms and rural roads where visibility is limited. But the goggles currently used by the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter are nearly 20 years old.

“Technology has come a long way,” Weir said. “These older goggles have served us incredibly well, but they’re becoming harder to maintain.

“If even one pair fails, it can seriously jeopardise our ability to respond at night – and people depend on us being able to get to them, no matter the hour.”

Aerocool Rescue Helicopter on a night mission. Photo / Supplied

This Christmas, the crew is asking the community to help them upgrade this vital equipment. New NVGs will not only keep the crew safer but ensure they can continue to bring others safely home to their families.

“Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the lights shining for someone who needs us,” Weir said. “That’s the true spirit of Christmas – helping others make it home.”

With the community’s help, whether transferring critically ill patients between hospitals, responding to emergencies in rural communities, or providing urgent medical support, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter can remain rescue-ready when every second counts.

Give the gift of sight this Christmas. Support your Aerocool Rescue Helicopter: https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/aerocool-rescue-helicopter/donate