$20m spent on ski injuries since 2010
Jordan Hill is one of thousands of Canterbury skiers who have cost ACC more than $20 million since 2010.
Figures, released by ACC, show more than $20m has been spent on skiing and snowboarding related injuries in Canterbury since 2010. There has been 10,400 claims in the same time period.
Hill, 21, was enjoying a day skiing with his friend at Mt Hutt when he skidded on some ice near the base of the Triple Chair and suffered serious internal bleeding. Hill was flown by rescue chopper to Christchurch Hospital where he received blood transfusions, which he believes saved his life.
‘‘Rather than spending two hours in a bumpy car I was in Christchurch in 25 minutes which helped when I had blood pouring out, I could have lost my life.’’
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust chief executive Christine Prince said the organisation needs about $7m a year to keep their service going. About 100 injured skiers have needed a helicopter rescue during the last three years.
‘‘On average, each mission costs $8625. On a busy weekend the crew visit the mountain regularly. If we can get specialist care to a patient within 60 minutes their chance of making a full recovery increases by up to 80 per cent.
‘‘With only 30 per cent of mission costs funded by the government, we rely on the community.’’
As of this season, Mt Hutt was asking staff, skiers, snowboarders and guests to make a donation when making on-mountain purchases.
‘‘You hope you’ll never need the Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s help, but accidents can happen,’’ Mt Hutt’s Ski Area manager James McKenzie said.
‘‘In remote areas, like our mountains, the local rescue helicopter can mean the difference between life and death. Our operational and medical team enjoy a close working relationship with the rescue crew, so we’re happy to support the service.’’