The reopening of popular walking tracks in the Waitākere Ranges has brought a welcome boost for West Auckland nature lovers, but also a surge in callouts for the Huia Volunteer Fire Brigade.
From broken bones and heatstroke to cardiac arrests deep in the bush, the brigade’s 16-strong volunteer team is increasingly called on to rescue hikers and trampers in trouble. Founded in 1984, the Huia brigade serves the communities of Huia, Cornwallis and Whatipu, while also backing up neighbouring fire brigades.
Volunteer firefighter Daniel Wright says the team handles a uniquely challenging mix of emergencies: ‘Our small brigade covers fire, water-related incidents, bush rescues, motor vehicle accidents and medical events.’ With tracks reopened after years of closure due to kauri dieback, trampers are flocking back, but rescues are far from simple.
‘Currently, the only rescue options are extraction via the Westpac Rescue Helicopter or being carried out by fire staff,’ Daniel explains. Dense terrain makes helicopter access difficult. On foot, a rescue can take up to eight firefighters to carry a stretcher through steep, narrow tracks while also hauling defibrillators, medical packs and gear.
‘Firefighters are often at risk of slipping down banks,’ Daniel adds. Something needed to change. The Huia brigade approached the Your West Support Fund for help, and funding of just over $9,000 allowed the purchase of a specially designed rescue mule. This all-terrain, single-wheeled stretcher is widely used by emergency services to carry patients through rough country.
‘It’s lightweight, easy to store and transport, and can be deployed quickly,’ says Daniel. ‘It’s also a game-changer for bush fires, allowing us to move heavy vegetation fire equipment into rugged terrain,’ he adds.
The rescue mule has already proven its worth, with a deployment just 48 hours after it arrived. With this new tool on hand, Huia’s volunteer firefighters are better equipped than ever to protect locals and visitors exploring the beautiful Waitākere Ranges.
