“In the field we do care for children and babies but we are more often working with adults,” he says.

“So having the right equipment is important to make sure we keep up our skills and confidence in caring for smaller patients.”

To that end, Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust used a $16,000 grant from Grassroots Trust Central to buy a full set of Laerdal medical manikins – Resusci Anne, Resusci Junior and Resusci Baby.

As well as training on the manikins themselves, the four CCFPs at the Gisborne base use them to support their crewmates – air crew officers and pilots – in developing their own medical skills.

“In the field we are generally focused on our respective disciplines but sometimes more hands are needed so it’s critical training,” Alex says.

“Because the ACOs in particular often help us directly with medical care — both on the ground and in-flight – it is vital they are up-to-speed with the procedures and equipment in play.”

EHRT chair Ian Parker says the Trust is grateful for the Grassroots grant that allowed it to provide the most up-to-date equipment.

“While we have a strong focus on the helicopter’s operation we are equally committed to support in the equipment it carries, and the training that goes hand-in-hand with delivering this critical service to remote locations,” says Ian.

“The helicopter is important but so is the equipment and, even more so, the people that are in it.

“To help achieve their aims we receive fantastic guidance from the medical professionals at our ops company, Search and Rescue Services, who clearly identify the training needed at base level and the best way to go about it.”

Meanwhile, though Alex is yet to deliver a baby in the nearly-a-year he has been with the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team, he’s certainly up for the challenge.

“You just need to be trained and prepared to deliver the best care for both mum and baby,” he says. “And when it does happen, it’s a beautiful moment.”

CAPTION: TOP TRAINING: CCFP Alex Mihalcea (foreground) uses one of the new manikins to work on securing an airway with air crew officer Jean-Pierre Jordaan.