Injured motorcyclist winched to safety

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter has transported a 51 year
old Wellington man to hospital today after a motorcycle accident.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard,
responded to the call near Gladstone in the Wairarapa at 11.15 am today.


The motorcyclist had parted company with his machine and landed
approximately 50 meters down a steep bank. On arrival of the helicopter
he was being treated by local Fire Service and ambulance personnel.

The helicopter paramedic was winched down to the scene and, after being
stabilized for transport, the motorcyclist and paramedic were then
winched back into the helicopter.

The injured man is currently in Wellington Hospital Emergency
Department, where he is being assessed and treated for chest and
possible spinal injuries.