Newcastle Senior Crewman in Ak for Winch Audit

Media Release
For Immediate Release
14 November 2006

Newcastle Westpac Rescue Helicopter Senior Crewman in Auckland for Auckland Rescue Helicopter winch audit

Newcastle Westpac Rescue Helicopter Senior Crewman Peter Cummings has spent the last two days on board the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter to undertake a winch audit of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew and paramedics.

The Newcastle Westpac Rescue Helicopter is the sister organisation to the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Both organisations have pooled resources and skills over the years to ensure rescue helicopter safety procedures are standardised and adhered to.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Helicopter Manager Greg Brownson explains that having an outside person to audit winch procedures helps crew to see any improvements they can make as they are often too close to the work.

“It prevents the guys from seeing the way they do things through rose tinted glasses” said Mr Brownson.

Peter Cummings explains that his role during the winch audit is to ensure that all crew use the same standards and safety procedures when operating the winch.

“As this line of work is very unique both rescue helicopter services pool their knowledge and come up with safety standards and procedures to follow” said Mr Cummings.

ENDS

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