Children headed along with their families today to check out the array of services on display at the annual rescue services open day.

To meet the crew of the TECT Rescue Helicopter is an exciting moment for anyone, and parents, caregivers and children lined to climb inside and also see the equipment that the crew uses when on a life-saving mission.

The annual Open Day was held from 10am to 2pm at the Ian Pain Memorial Hangar, behind Tauranga Hospital.

For a gold coin donation, people were able view the helicopter up close and personal and also see other emergency service teams.

The family-friendly event which was suitable for all ages also had live demonstrations from Fire and Emergency New Zealand happening on the hour.

Local food trucks provided refreshments and there were other interactive activities. Raffles were run throughout the day and there was a bidding station for silent auctions, with prizes from local businesses including Mount Surf Academy, Adrenaline Forest, Waimarino Adventure Park, Paint Vine, and Brew Bus.

A steady flow of people came along to the day and enjoyed both the fire trucks and TECT Rescue helicopter.

A merchandise stand was available where people could purchase a die-cast replica rescue helicopter, Westpac helicopter money box, or a TECT Rescue Helicopter lanyard.

The TECT Rescue Helicopter operates a 24 hours a day 365 days a year and services the Bay of Plenty.

It provides a fully-fledged air emergency medical service with full-time experienced intensive care paramedics, crewman and pilots.

It was founded in 2000 and has touched the lives of more than a thousand patients.