This International Women’s Day, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter is recognising the vital contributions women make onboard the rescue helicopter, and the wider community. As part of this celebration, Air Crew Officer/Paramedic Kesia offers a glimpse into a day in her life.
Whether Kesia starts her shift at 7am or 7pm, she prepares early to ensure she is ready to respond the moment a call comes in. “There isn't a typical day on the rescue helicopter,” she says. “We never know where we will be flying next. There could be a hospital transfer, a motor vehicle accident, or a search and rescue beacon job.”
And, as an onboard Air Crew Officer/Paramedic, her work involves “a mix of aviation and medical responsibilities,” serving as the pilot’s second set of eyes and ears while also supporting the Critical Care Flight Paramedic during missions.
Her day will begin with checking the aircraft fuel and oxygen levels, followed by making sure all the medical and rescue equipment is in the aircraft and secured. She then will meet with the pilot to discuss weather, flight conditions, aviation notices that are valid during the shift, and any aircraft or base duties that need to be completed that day.
Each day brings different scenery, different people, and different challenges. The variety within the role offers constant opportunities to use and develop a wide range of skills.
One thing that is guaranteed is ongoing training. With no day ever the same, the crew remain prepared for the unknown. On quieter days without callouts, they will spend the day undertaking either some medical or crew training and completing inventory checks.
In 2025, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter completed 619 missions.
Thank you to Kesia and all the exceptional women working onboard the rescue helicopters. Their impact is profound, contributing to life‑saving work that touches hundreds of families each year.
Your Aerocool Rescue Helicopter relies on generous donations to help fund its life-saving missions. Donate to your local rescue helicopter today -https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/aerocool-rescue-helicopter/donate