David's Story - Pauanui

What began as a day helping out family and the local community quickly took an unexpected turn for David in the hills behind Pauanui.

“I was out with my brother-in-law,” he explains. “He manages a trap line as part of a local predator control initiative, so we headed up into the bush to check the traps. It’s a beautiful walk, along creeks and through native bush.”

After spending over an hour making their way through the rugged terrain, they were heading back out when it happened.

“I slipped and heard a really loud crack. Straight away I knew it wasn’t just a sprain.” David said. Unable to walk and deep in the bush with no easy access out, emergency services were called.

“They said, ‘You can’t get out of here, we’ll call the rescue helicopter.’” Before long, the Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter crew were overhead.

Because there was no clearing to land, the helicopter hovered above the dense bush as critical care paramedics were winched down.

“It was like being in a hurricane,” David recalls. “The downwash from the helicopter was incredible. One of the CCP’s had me curled up on the ground and covered me with his body to protect me from it.”

Despite the challenging conditions, the critical care paramedics quickly assessed David and prepared him for winch extraction. “They were absolutely fantastic, calm, reassuring, and just really nice guys. They made me feel at ease straight away.”

David was safely winched into the helicopter and flown directly to Waikato Hospital, bypassing closer facilities due to the likelihood of a fracture requiring specialist care.

At hospital, X-rays confirmed a clean break to his ankle. “I was incredibly lucky. It had broken right through but stayed in place, so I didn’t need surgery.”

After a short stay in the emergency department, David was discharged in a cast. Weeks later, he transitioned into a moon boot and is now well into his recovery. His physiotherapy is going well, and they are really happy with his progress.

Reflecting on the experience, David says the Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter service proved just how vital it is, especially in remote locations.

“You realise how quickly things can change. One minute you’re out enjoying the bush, the next you can’t move. Having that service there, it’s incredible.

There was also a touch of irony in the timing. David’s workplace helps support a golf tournament each year that raises funds for the Westpac Rescue helicopter service.

“I couldn’t attend this year because I’d broken my ankle, but it turned out I’d needed the service myself,” he says. “It really brings home just how important it is.”

Grateful for the care he received, David has nothing but praise for the crew.

“We’re so lucky in New Zealand to have this service. You’re saving lives every day, people’s mums, dads, families. It’s just incredible.”

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