Post by corsair67 on Jul 20, 2007 18:42:40 GMT 12
Auckland chopper dispatch defended
Waikato Times | Friday, 20 July 2007
An Auckland-based helicopter being sent to yesterday's Paeroa truck crash is the result of a new system settling down, says Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance manager Grant Bremner.
St John Auckland is standing by its decision to send the Auckland-based helicopter rather than the Hamilton one, saying there was negligible difference in flying time.
There have been concerns raised about the effectiveness of St John's centralised dispatch control.
Mr Bremner denied there was any confusion about the new system, brought in earlier this year, which has seen the dispatch control move from Hamilton to Auckland.
"There is no confusion. We are moving into a new era with the control room moving . . . the traditional boundaries have changed and these changes have to be absorbed," Mr Bremner said.
"Although from our perspective I suppose it makes more sense going from Hamilton. We are equal to any service in the country, with paramedics backed up by doctors. We are well resourced."
Mr Bremner would not comment on the effectiveness of the relocated dispatch system.
"I am not going to get into that debate. We are just a transport provider."
In yesterday's crash, a truck plunged 10m down a bank off Old Reservoir Rd, off the Karangahake Gorge. It's thought the truck hit a slip in the road.
The driver escaped without serious injury but his 19-year-old passenger was not so lucky. The man, who suffered a torn ear and crushed shoulder, was taken by ambulance to Paeroa Domain then flown to Waikato Hospital. He is in a "satisfactory" condition today.
