The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter has wrapped up a record-breaking year, responding to 568 emergency missions in 2024 – almost 10% more than in 2023, according to a press release from the organisation.

The service operates around the clock across the Coastal Bay of Plenty, played a crucial role in saving lives and providing urgent medical care, said a spokesperson for the rescue helicopter.

Among the missions completed, 265 involved inter-hospital transfers, ensuring patients received specialist treatment at major hospitals, the press release said.

Medical emergencies accounted for over 80 missions, while nearly 100 incidents occurred in rural or remote areas.

The crew also responded to 43 serious motor vehicle accidents, three rescue operations, and 76 other urgent callouts.

"Tauranga Hospital was the top destination for inter-hospital transfers, with 87 missions originating there, followed closely by Whakatāne Hospital with 74 and Rotorua Hospital with 49," said the helicopter spokesperson.

October was the busiest month, with 64 life-saving missions – averaging two per day, the press release said.

"Nighttime missions were a significant factor, with 20.2% of all callouts occurring between 8pm and 8am.

"The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter’s ability to operate after dark, using essential equipment such as night-vision goggles, enabled it to locate and assist those in distress.

"One particularly memorable mission took place in February when the crew was dispatched to Waihau Bay to respond to an infant suffering a severe allergic reaction, the press release said.

"The child was rapidly transported to Whakatāne Hospital for urgent treatment."

Remote areas remained a key focus, with 99 missions in hard-to-reach locations such as the Matakana, Mōtītī and Rangiwaea islands.

In May, the helicopter was deployed to Matakana Island to respond to a man in his 90s who had suffered serious injuries in a fall. He was flown to Tauranga Hospital for further care.

The service also completed three major rescue operations in 2024, said the helicopter spokesperson.

In July, the crew responded to a distress call 55km offshore from Tauranga, where two foil boarders had become lost at sea.

One was located using a personal locator beacon and winched to safety, while the second was found later on Mayor Island using night-vision goggles. Both were unharmed.