Multiple mountain rescues keep rescuers busy
It was a busy day yesterday for the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO), the Greenlea Taupo and Palmerston North rescue helicopters in the Tongariro National Park yesterday.
Four separate incidents resulted in six persons being rescued from The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
Soon after midday on Saturday the first incident occurred where a lady suffered an injury to her ankle near Red Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and was airlifted to Taupo Hospital by the Taupo rescue helicopter.
At about 2.30 pm before the helicopter had time to shut down a report of another incident was received by Police on Mt Ngauruhoe.
A male had been struck in the head by a rock dislodged above him and had lost consciousness. His wife witnessed this and ran downhill to his aid only to fall and sprain her knee rendering her immobile and requiring assistance also.
Due to low heavy cloud surrounding Mt Ngauruhoe, two RARO volunteers were airlifted as close as possible below the two patients
Due to the nature of the injuries, low cloud and Police receiving a call for another injured person near the summit of Ngauruhoe, a further four RARO volunteers were flown in to assist with the rescue.
Whilst this rescue was unfolding Police received yet another call for help where a male was unwell approximately 200 meters above the Turoa ski field and unable to make his way down.
The Palmerston North rescue helicopter was deployed to assist. It was able to locate and hover beside the male and load him and his partner and fly them from the mountain to receive medical treatment.
In the meantime a fortuitous break in the weather allowed the Taupo rescue helicopter to hover load two of the patients from a rocky outcrop on the side of Mt Ngauruhoe and fly them to a waiting ambulance at the Mangatepopo Road end.
Due to his condition and the steep loose terrain, the male with the head injuries was placed in a stretcher where he lay. Along with a RARO member he was attached to a long line under the helicopter and flown from the mountain. He was then loaded into the helicopter and flown to hospital.
The high numbers of people in the Tongariro National Park for the holiday weekend combined with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing still being partially closed has seen more people doing the alternative route of Mt Ngauruhoe.
Extra care is required while climbing this steep scree route to the summit not to dislodge loose rocks on people below.
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