A Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedic is urging the community to get behind the crews by taking part in Back to Base, a fundraising challenge running through August.

Cameron Horner, a critical care paramedic on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, said the service could not operate without community support.

“Every day, every mission, we set out to save lives. But we cannot do it alone. We need our community behind us,” he said.

The Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter has flown 324 missions in the first six months of this year, while the West Coast Westpac Rescue Helicopter has flown 212 in the same period.

Horner said missions were growing in complexity, with crews now delivering more advanced care than ever before.

“Rescue helicopter crews today deliver a level of care that ten years ago we never dreamed would be possible in the remote environments we find ourselves in.

“We’re delivering more comprehensive care and improving patient outcomes, but that requires an enormous investment, and that’s where we need help. We need our community to take up the challenge and help us get Back to Base,” he said.

Back to Base, run by the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, challenges participants to cover the distance of a real rescue helicopter mission during August.

Distances range from nine kilometres, the trip from Christchurch Hospital back to base, up to 145 kilometres, the length of a Fox Glacier mission. Participants can also set their own target.

“It’s simple. Choose your distance, gather your support crew and get moving through August. Every kilometre you cover will be supporting the life-saving work of the rescue helicopter crew,” Horner said.

There are 43 crew working across the Canterbury and West Coast Rescue Helicopter Service, operated by GCH Aviation, and physical fitness and mental strength are vital to the job.

“The rescue crews turn up on people’s darkest days. The Back to Base challenge captures the grit and determination at the heart of air rescue and is a powerful way you can stand by the crews and the cause,” Horner said.

Last year the challenge raised $65,000 for the trust, which has set a $100,000 target this year.

Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust chief executive Anton Drazevic said every dollar raised strengthened the future of rescue helicopter services across Canterbury and the West Coast.

“To protect the people of Canterbury and the West Coast, we must keep investing in a world-class rescue helicopter service, giving our crews the advanced tools, training, and emergency infrastructure they need to respond faster, reach more patients in tougher conditions, and ultimately save more lives.

“Please join our Back to Base challenge this August. Every kilometre you cover will fuel the crew and every dollar you raise will help us protect and preserve the future of air rescue,” Drazevic said.

Participants who raise more than $100 will receive a Westpac Rescue Helicopter pin, and those raising more than $500 will receive a medal. The top fundraiser will win two nights in a Canterbury PurePod and a local hamper, thanks to PurePods.

Sign-ups are open at www.backtobase.co.nz.