New Zealand Man Saved Twice by Same Rescue Helicopter

When Rob Reynish's jet boat smashed into a cliff on New Zealand's Broken River in October 2022, his leg shattered and became trapped under the dashboard as icy water rose to his chest. His friend Dick held his head above water while another friend activated a personal locator beacon, sending their desperate call into the wild Canterbury canyon.

Critical care paramedic Kath Copland arrived by helicopter and was winched down into gale-force winds. She dove under the water to free Reynish's trapped leg, pressing on his broken femur because there was no other choice.

The pilot fought the winds while the winch operator timed each movement perfectly. Together they hauled Reynish to safety as the river raged below.

Reynish spent eight weeks in hospital and three years on crutches. But just as he was finally recovering, he had a stroke at his Akaroa home.

The same helicopter team flew him to Christchurch Hospital for clot-busting drugs. He made a full recovery.

"I am only here today because of them," Reynish said. "When you've been saved twice, you're driven to do whatever you can to give back."

Reynish didn't know the full details of his river rescue until he read a newspaper article where Copland reflected on her most challenging missions. He realized he was the patient she was describing.

That discovery led to a reunion at the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue base, where they pieced together the day that changed everything. "Talking it through together, I realised my own recall of the day wasn't that accurate," Reynish said.

Why This Inspires

Reynish now calls Copland "a goddess" and the rescue service "a godsend." His gratitude runs so deep that he's speaking publicly about his experience to help raise $100,000 for the service during their May fundraising appeal.

The street collection happens on May 15, supporting training and equipment for the team that gives people like Reynish a second chance at life. Sometimes even a third.