Full Recovery after Emergency Flight

“Mum is doing great! You’d barely know she’s had a stroke. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – thank you to you all.”

At the end of January 2024. 81 year old Valerie went into hospital for a routine gallbladder removal operation. Instead, she suffered a stroke before going into theater.

Valerie was sent straight to the ICU, and by the time her daughter Tracie arrived, she found her mother paralysed and unable to put many words together. Tracie was told Valerie would need to be urgently helicoptered to Auckland Hospital to have a clot removed, which was vital to managing the stroke. Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Critical Care Paramedic Mitch said a short window typically exists where treatment for strokes administered within the first couple of hours was likely to be significantly more effective. Within half an hour, Valerie was at the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter hangar preparing to depart for Auckland Hospital, and Tracie and a nurse were watching the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter take off. Tracie said she knew her mum was in good hands as the helicopter departed. The flight took just over an hour, and Valerie received urgent treatment. Tracie said the rapid response from the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter crew played a huge part in getting her mum the quick surgery she needed. “You guys are angels without wings. I often hear a helicopter and look up to see if it’s you guys, and whether you’re off to change someone’s life for the better." Tracie said since the emergency operation, her mum had an excellent recovery.