Help us save lives!

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter service has a unique perspective from the air, watching over the lives of more than 130,000 people in some of the most challenging terrain anywhere in the country. Their vital service must be equipped and ready to response 24/7, 365 days a year. The crew of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter need to be prepared for any emergency, including medical events, sports, industrial & motor vehicle accidents, search and rescue operations or patient transfers.

The service responds to over 500 missions per year with approximately a quarter of these flown at night using Night Vision Goggles. Prior to the availability of Night Vision Goggles equipment, air rescue crews were forced to decline a high number of after hours EMS call outs, unless flying conditions met the minimum required visibility parameters. Since acquiring its first pairs of Night Vision Goggles 10 years ago, the service has never looked back.

Night Vision Goggles increase safety and situational awareness by enhancing ambient light; the crew can detect a light source, like a mobile phone screen or lighter, from kilometres away! As with any technology, parts need replacing through wear and tear. The Night Vision Goggles must be serviced every 180 days to ensure they meet stringent operational standards as the tubes degrade fractionally with ever use; like the crew’s current goggles.

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter service needs to purchase two sets of Night Vision Goggles after a recent tube failure in one set. These life saving pieces of equipment cost $18,000 per pair. The service is engaging with community organisations, businesses and individuals throughout the region to raise funds for these much-needed Night Vision Goggles.

Summit has kick-started the fundraising with a $2,500.00 donation towards the purchase of a two new sets of Night Vision Goggles.

Join Summit and the team to support the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter service and help save lives! Your support can be the difference between life and death. Every donation counts!