It has been a busy few months for our brigade, with several significant callouts that highlight both the challenges of our work and the strength of collaboration across emergency services.
Rescue on Kataore Track
Our firefighters joined Rotorua Fire, Peak Safety medics from the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, and Hato Hone St John ambulance officers to rescue an injured mountain biker on the Kataore track. The rider had sustained an open tibia fracture on the steep grade 5 trail.
The patient was carefully stabilised in a vacuum mattress and secured onto a mule wheel stretcher. With firefighters manoeuvring the stretcher and Peak medics belaying it by rope, the team worked methodically down the track. This was a textbook example of teamwork across agencies, ensuring the patient received the best possible care in a challenging environment.
Our firefighters joined Rotorua Fire, Peak Safety medics from the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, and Hato Hone St John ambulance officers to rescue an injured mountain biker on the Kataore track. The rider had sustained an open tibia fracture on the steep grade 5 trail.
The patient was carefully stabilised in a vacuum mattress and secured onto a mule wheel stretcher. With firefighters manoeuvring the stretcher and Peak medics belaying it by rope, the team worked methodically down the track. This was a textbook example of teamwork across agencies, ensuring the patient received the best possible care in a challenging environment.
Cardiac Arrest in Whakarewarewa Forest
We responded to another cardiac arrest in the Whakarewarewa Forest, this time involving a 56-year-old. Thanks to the immediate actions of the Peak Safety Medic on the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club First Response Unit, CPR was started straight away, and an AED delivered a lifesaving shock.
CPR was continued for another six minutes until the patient developed a pulse, began breathing, and even regained consciousness. St John Ambulance, Rotorua Fire, and a rescue helicopter followed quickly, and the patient was transported to Rotorua Hospital.
This incident is a powerful reminder of the chain of survival: early CPR, early defibrillation, and rapid response from emergency services. The presence of the Mountain Bike FRU was critical in saving a life that day.
Water Tanker Responses
Our water tanker has also been active in recent months. Crews spent three hours on scene at the Whakarewarewa Rugby Community Sports Club fire, providing additional water support. In October, a team was placed on standby during a series of 14 vegetation fires in Hawke’s Bay, where five households in Pōrangahau were precautionarily evacuated. The truck has responded to multiple structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and two alarm activations.
We responded to another cardiac arrest in the Whakarewarewa Forest, this time involving a 56-year-old. Thanks to the immediate actions of the Peak Safety Medic on the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club First Response Unit, CPR was started straight away, and an AED delivered a lifesaving shock.
CPR was continued for another six minutes until the patient developed a pulse, began breathing, and even regained consciousness. St John Ambulance, Rotorua Fire, and a rescue helicopter followed quickly, and the patient was transported to Rotorua Hospital.
This incident is a powerful reminder of the chain of survival: early CPR, early defibrillation, and rapid response from emergency services. The presence of the Mountain Bike FRU was critical in saving a life that day.
Water Tanker Responses
Our water tanker has also been active in recent months. Crews spent three hours on scene at the Whakarewarewa Rugby Community Sports Club fire, providing additional water support. In October, a team was placed on standby during a series of 14 vegetation fires in Hawke’s Bay, where five households in Pōrangahau were precautionarily evacuated. The truck has responded to multiple structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and two alarm activations.
Acknowledgement
We’re proud of the dedication shown by our volunteers and grateful for the strong partnerships with Rotorua Fire, Peak Safety, Hato Hone St John, and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club. Together, we continue to serve our community.
Stay safe, and thank you for your ongoing support!
Ngā mihi nui,
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
We’re proud of the dedication shown by our volunteers and grateful for the strong partnerships with Rotorua Fire, Peak Safety, Hato Hone St John, and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club. Together, we continue to serve our community.
Stay safe, and thank you for your ongoing support!
Ngā mihi nui,
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
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