The indispensible role of rescue helicopters has once again come to the forefront, following a rescue at the Whakatāne Heads on Saturday afternoon.

An Aerocool Rescue Helicopter spokesperson says they received a call just after 5pm on Saturday,

"There was a young local woman who fell on the rocks and couldn't walk out.

"It was a gnarly place and access is difficult."

The woman who wasn't critically injured was flown to Whakatāne Hospital following the rescue.

"There were others also climbing around the rocks around the point. Her partner walked out afterwards."

"Out near the heads there was one person rescued after suffering a leg injury," says a police spokesperson.

"They were transported to hospital via helicopter around 6.30pm."

'The Heads' is a popular summer spot for locals where the Whakatāne River meets the sea, with a playground and shoreline to explore, and a picnic area. Boats come and go through the harbour entrance which also features the 'lady on the rock' statue commemorating the bravery of Wairaka when the first waka came to shore 600 years ago.

Police say that rescue helicopter was also called to another location in Whakatāne.

"We were alerted by Ambulance to a job off Valley Road at 6.36pm," says a police spokesperson.

"One person was winched out and transferred to hospital closer to 7pm."

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter at Whakatāne on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

The aerial lifeline that rescue helicopters provide is proven to be essential in swiftly reaching remote or inaccessible locations, delivering timely aid, and executing complex rescue missions with unparalleled efficiency.

On Saturday afternoon, the rescue helicopter was involved in a rescue from the south-east slope of Mauao.

A woman was winched off Mauao by helicopter and flown to hospital following a medical event and then a fall on Saturday afternoon.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter (IRU relief) was tasked to Mauao for a woman in her 40s who was suffering from a medical event and subsequent fall on the summit track," says a Philips Search & Rescue Trust spokesperson. 

The fall resulted in multiple injuries.

"Surf Life Saving tended to the patient's first aid before the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter crew winched her off the track and flew her to Tauranga Hospital for further treatment."

The rescue helicopter hovering over Mauao.  Photo: Chris Stokes.

A SunLive reader who was higher up the mountain says that the person aged 40-50 years was conscious but laying on the stairs about half way up Mauao.

"They winched the paramedic down [from the helicopter] then landed at the ocean side base," says the SunLive reader.

From remote coastal locations to urban landscapes, the versatility of rescue helicopters is transcending geographical boundaries, showcasing their ability to provide rapid assistance during medical emergencies as well as natural disasters and precarious incidents.

To support these flying saviours so they continue to play a crucial role in preserving lives, go to https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/aerocool-rescue-helicopter/donate