Lawrence residents, emergency service personnel and project volunteers were joined by the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust to celebrate the opening of the emergency helipad on Saturday, signalling the end of a two-year undertaking.

Project leader and professional firefighter Tim Dickey said he had been inspired to get the pad installed following a muddy incident in 2019.

"Formerly, rescue helicopters landed on the adjoining rugby pitch, leaving paramedics and other personnel ankle deep in mud during emergency incidents.

"During wet weather the situation raised serious health and safety concerns, as patient gurneys required additional personnel, time and care to transport to and from the helicopter, causing delays and unnecessary distraction.

"The extra minutes now saved could help save lives."

The pad cost about $70,000 to install, without taking donated labour and materials into account, Mr Dickey said.

"This has been something where the whole town’s come together, from contractors to donors to volunteers with a shovel. It’s a tribute to the community spirit of Lawrence."

Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter chief pilot Graeme Gale also paid tribute to the town’s "fantastic" community spirit, describing the project as a "massive effort".

"When you think about flying in on a dirty, dark night with a fragile patient to pick up, a well-lit concrete pad makes a huge difference for everyone involved.

"It makes the transition to the helicopter smooth and seamless, and reduces the risk to the patient, which is what it’s all about."

Landing on a sometimes-muddy rugby pitch in the past had been a challenge, he said.

"I’ve been coming here for 30 years, and it just increased the complexity for everyone. Lawrence has thought outside the square and worked with us to provide a first-class facility that will make a real difference to patients’ lives."

Story from Otago Daily Times, richard.davison@odt.co.nz

Photo Tim Dickey