Rescue Helicopters

The PM has kindly pointed out that NZ itself could indeed be hit by a tsunami. This is of course quite correct.

Tony Ryall has then asked the obvious question, which is why is the Government presiding over a decimation of the rescue helicopter service? A good question indeed.

The removing of rescue helicopters from most provincal centres has been a big story in those areas. National’s Otaki candidate, Nathan Guy, has had a petition asking for the Palmerston North based helicopter to be retained for over a month now and it has huge support and much local publicity.

One can never have the same exact access to healthcare in remote rural areas as major cities, but the nice thing about a comprehensive helicopter service is that it can go a long way towards closing the gap for critically injured New Zealanders. And comprehensive does not mean nothing between Hamilton and Wellington.