We cannot thank you enough for making Nathan’s rescue possible. Your support of the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter helped save his life.
Nathan and his mates had travelled to a Lego show in Whanganui. While enjoying the show, the weather took a turn, and the boys decided to head home early. But the storm had other plans.
By Waitotara, heavy rain and gale-force winds made visibility near impossible. The road was slick… and then everything changed.
“The next thing I know,” says Nathan, “I’m trapped in the car, and my friend is trying to get me out.”
The boys had been in a serious crash. While the others managed to escape the wreck despite their injuries, Nathan was trapped with severe trauma.
Emergency services arrived quickly, working in freezing, driving rain to reach him. It was clear he needed urgent hospital care - fast. But the weather was so dangerous that several rescue helicopters were unable to get through.
The Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter was the only aircraft able to reach the scene.
Because of the exceptional skills of the Pilot Euan - and the life-saving service supporters like you help keep in the air - the crew landed safely and rushed to Nathan’s side.
Critical Care Flight Paramedic Adam immediately began treating Nathan, stabilising his injuries and moving him into the rescue helicopter before the weather closed in again. During the flight to Wellington Hospital, they continued urgent care - straightening his leg, applying a pelvic binder, controlling severe bleeding, and administering pain relief.
“It was important that Nathan got to the right major trauma hospital for the care he needed. I’m pleased we were able to stabilise him and get him there safely, especially with the weather working against us,” said Critical Care Flight Paramedic Adam.
Nathan suffered extensive injuries - a pelvis broken in five places, a fractured femur, broken ribs, and deep lacerations. After multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation, he is finally on the road to recovery.
His mum told us, “We feel very lucky to have our young man still with us. We are forever grateful.”
And Nathan says,
“I’ll never forget the crew and what they did. We absolutely need rescue helicopters in New Zealand. None of us ever know when we or someone dear to us may need this service. Without the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, I may not be alive today.”
From all of us at the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, thank you. Your support makes life-saving missions like Nathan’s possible.
