When every second counts, having the right people, equipment, and vehicles ready to respond can make all the difference.

Northern Rescue provides specialist air ambulance and rescue helicopter services across Northland, Auckland, and the Coromandel, responding to more than 2,000 missions each year. From its bases at Whangārei and Ardmore airports, its teams deliver critical care around the clock, 365 days a year.

While its helicopters are the most visible part of the service, every mission depends on a much wider operation, both behind the scenes and on the ground.

SG Fleet has proudly supported Northern Rescue as a major sponsor since 2009, providing vehicles that help its teams deliver lifesaving care across our communities.

Critical care beyond the helicopter

Northern Rescue owns and operates the Northland and Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters. Its fleet of eight helicopters supports missions ranging from accident responses and winch rescues to inter-hospital transfers and search and rescue operations.

But not every response begins in the air.

As part of our partnership, we provide Northern Rescue with a fleet of vehicles, including Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs). These specialised vehicles extend its care to the road, enabling teams to respond to nearby incidents, provide urgent treatment when flying is not an option, and support missions from the ground.

Each RRV carries specialist equipment, including patient monitors, ventilators, LUCAS mechanical chest compression devices, ultrasound equipment, syringe drivers, and oxygen.

Bringing the capabilities of a mobile emergency room directly to the scene, the vehicles help Northern Rescue reach patients quickly when time matters most.

Delivering a 24/7 aeromedical service takes far more than aircraft and vehicles.

Northern Rescue's frontline teams include pilots, copilots, air crew officers, critical care paramedics and doctors, all working together to provide specialised pre-hospital care.

Behind them is a much larger operation. Engineers, fundraisers, administrators, and other professionals help keep the aircraft, vehicles, medical equipment, and facilities ready to respond.

Funding that operation is an ongoing challenge. Government contracts cover part of the cost, while community fundraising, donations, and sponsorships help fund the people, equipment, vehicles, and technology needed to maintain and advance the service.