Fall from balcony lands man in hospital

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter transported an Upper Hutt
man to hospital today after he fell from a balcony at a property in Te
Awaiti on the South Wairarapa Coast.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard was
called to the scene at about 2pm this afternoon and was able to land at
a neighboring property. The crew was then directed to the patients house
approximately 100 metres up the road.

"As we understand it the man was leaning on the railing of the balcony
when it gave way" says Colin Larsen, Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman.
"He has fallen approximately 3 metres and appears to taken the brunt of
the fall on his head and shoulders".

The helicopter crew, assisted by a Wairarapa Ambulance crew, stabilized
the patient and then carried him to the helicopter. He is suspected to
have head, back and rib injuries.

The man was transported to the Wellington Hospital Emergency Department
where he is currently being treated and assessed.