Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust

Walter Russell Chairman Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust Whitianga 14 September 2015 Dear Walter On Father’s Day, 6 September, I was out for a walk and a short distance from home when things went wrong. I have an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) in my chest and a short distance from home felt my heart start a Ventricular Tachycardia episode. Unfortunately, my ICD did not give me a defibrillation shock that it is designed for, so I called 111 emergency for Ambulance assistance and they came to my aid quickly. On assessment they decided this was a situation that needed the help of the Rescue Helicopter Service to get me to Waikato Hospital quickly. Shortly after, I was taken to the Whitianga Heliport to meet the crew from Auckland. Walter, the whole operation was incredible. This is the second time that I have used these services and I cannot say in words how I felt when I met the helicopter crew. They had Marcel Driessen and Doctor Ula Heywood on board to care for me. Ula decided that I needed to be defibrillated by shock before I went to Waikato Hospital. She was so professional, thoughtful and cool, which settled me down as my situation was not at all good. After Ula and crew shocked me, my situation was stabilised and I was quickly flown to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. I came home last Wednesday and am quietly regaining strength. For me and my family, the fact that there are such services here in Whitianga is indeed a God send. If possible please pass on to the crew of the Helicopter, my sincere thanks (Ula and Marcel in particular).

Kind Regards Peter Bethell 179 Buffalo Beach Road Whitianga