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Police and emergency crews worked through the night to assist an ambulance carrying a critically ill newborn, trapped by flooding and slips in the Awakino Gorge early Tuesday morning, October 14.
Heavy rain lashed much of the Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki and Waitomo regions yesterday. Police advised motorists to avoid travelling through the Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 due to flooding and slips affecting the area.
Constable Donna Potroz from Mōkau Police responded at around 1.40am after heavy rain caused major slips that left several vehicles stranded, including a St John patient transfer ambulance travelling from New Plymouth to Waikato Hospital.
With poor weather preventing an immediate air transfer, the ambulance was transporting the newborn under the care of a neonatal intensive care team from Health New Zealand.
Constable Potroz provided communications support and reassurance to those at the scene while roading contractors worked to clear multiple slips.
St John National Operations Manager for Patient Transfer Services, Chris Haines, said the assistance from police and road crews was vital.
“Constable Potroz chose to travel alongside our team to provide access to important communications. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in the care of our young patient,” he said.
When conditions later improved, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew were dispatched to complete the transfer, flying the child from Taranaki Base Hospital to Starship Hospital in Auckland at 9.10am.
Acting Area Commander Inspector Darin Haenga praised Potroz’s efforts.
“She went above and beyond, helping those trapped by the slips to feel safe and be safe. It’s a privilege to see our officers working alongside health and emergency services, road crews and the public, getting stuck in and helping – all before breakfast.”
