Tramper having an allergic reaction flown to hospital by helicopter

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter has transported a 62 year
old Palmerston North man to hospital today after he suffered an allergic
reaction to wasp stings while tramping.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard,
responded to the call near Masterton at about 12.30pm today.

Information from other trampers in the area was used to located the man,
who was being looked after by a small tramping party, near the Waingawa
River on the edge of the Tararua Forest Park.

The helicopter was able to land in a small clearing near the patient,
who was attended to by the helicopter paramedic before being flown to
Masterton hospital, where he is being further assessed and treated.