‘You have to be fast and strong’

Bankers put themselves to the test to see if they can keep up with the rescue helicopter crews they sponsor.

Four teams from various Westpac branches competed in yesterday’s challenge to raise funds for the Canterbury-West Coast Air Rescue Trust during its Chopper Appeal Month.

Teams faced off in the annual challenge with blind tests, fitness and stamina and survival challenges – including an avalanche simulation.

‘‘When the crew gets that emergency call out during the day they have to be in the air within 10 minutes and, at night, when they’re off duty, they have to be there within 20 minutes,’’ trust chief executive Christine Prince said.

‘‘So you have to be fast and strong to be able to do this.’’

Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew chief Rick Knight, who ran the challenge, said the bank staff compared well to his team.

‘‘Some of them were pretty good actually ... by comparison there’s some pretty fit people out there.’’

Knight’s crew must complete a bi-annual fitness test to remain a rescuer, which was included as part of yesterday’s challenges.

Teams came well-prepared on the day, resulting in the odd argument about the best way to put on a harness.

‘‘Everybody put their all in and it was hard. There were some pretty fit people amongst them ... They had to run with weighted sleds, an obstacle course and were blindfolded.’’

Prince said the exercise was a reminder of the seriousness of the work rescue crews put in, which was only partially Governmentfunded.

‘‘It’s the highest level of teamwork. They put their lives in the hands of their colleagues while they save the lives of others.’’

Knight was ‘‘not quite sure’’ who had won overall as total amounts raised for the chopper and times for completing challenges were still being

"It's the highest level of teamwork. They put their lives in the hands of their colleagues while they save the lives of others." CWCART chief executive Christine Prince

calculated.

He said the teams had so far raised about $5000, but would continue fundraising until the end

PHOTO: JOSEPH JOHNSON/FAIRFAX NZ Rick Knight, right, makes sure Richard Grant keeps up to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter standard.