The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter has this afternoon
airlifted a second unwell tramper from the Tararua Ranges north of
Wellington.

The call from the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, to a 406 beacon
operating, was received at approximately 4.20pm this afternoon.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic on board, was
directed to an area near Penn Creek by the beacons on board GPS
receiver.

"The helicopter is equipped with directional location finding equipment
for the new 406 emergency beacons" said helicopter crewman Colin Larsen,
"this was used to track the activating beacon to the Penn Creek Hut.

The helicopter was able to land not far from the hut and found a 45 year
old Palmerston North lady who was unwell.

The patient was able to walk the short distance to the helicopter with
assistance from the crew and paramedic.

She has been taken to the Wellington Hospital Emergency Department where
she is being further assessed and treated.

In an ironic twist, this second party of 2 trampers had originally been
travelling with the 2 trampers airlifted out of the Tararua Ranges by
the Wellington-based Westpac rescue helicopter this morning.

ends