Para Clinics Aotearoa — Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Organisation: Para Clinics Aotearoa
Chief Instructor: Zachery Morris
Location: Wanaka, New Zealand
Effective Date: 5 April 2026
Review Frequency: Annually or Pre-Season
Purpose
The purpose of this Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is to provide clear procedures for responding to emergencies that may occur during paragliding and speed wing training activities conducted by Para Clinics Aotearoa.
This plan supports safe operations in accordance with the New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA) Operations Procedures Manual (OPM) and aligns with safety responsibilities under the WorkSafe New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act.
The primary goal of this plan is to:
Preserve life, prevent further injury, and coordinate an effective emergency response.
Scope
This Emergency Response Plan applies to:
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All paragliding training activities
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All speed wing training activities
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All coaching operations
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All ground-based training
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All Para Clinics Aotearoa training sites
Emergency Priorities
In any emergency, the following priorities apply:
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Ensure scene safety
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Preserve life
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Provide first aid
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Call emergency services
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Prevent further injury
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Record incident details
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services:
Dial 111
Request:
Police, Ambulance, or Rescue Helicopter
Key Emergency Contacts
Rescue Helicopter:
Otago/Southern Lakes Rescue Helicopter
Phone: 0508 222 433
Nearest Hospital:
Lakes District Hospital
Local Medical Centre:
Wanaka Medical Centre
NZHGPA Incident Notification:
Contact as required following incident
Types of Emergencies Covered
This ERP applies to the following emergency types:
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Pilot crash with injury
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Severe injury requiring evacuation
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Missing or overdue pilot
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Mid-air collision
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Equipment failure
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Sudden severe weather change
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Landing incident
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Medical emergency
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Fire
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Public safety incident
Roles and Responsibilities
During an emergency, roles should be assigned clearly.
Chief Instructor / Lead Instructor
Responsible for:
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Taking control of the situation
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Assessing the incident
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Coordinating emergency response
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Communicating with emergency services
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Assigning responsibilities
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Recording incident details
Assistant Instructor / Support Pilot
Responsible for:
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Providing first aid
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Securing landing areas
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Managing students or bystanders
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Assisting emergency responders
Students / Participants
Responsible for:
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Following instructor instructions
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Remaining clear of hazards
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Assisting only when directed
Immediate Emergency Actions
These steps apply to all incidents.
Step 1 — Assess Scene Safety
Before assisting:
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Identify hazards (wires, terrain, unstable wing)
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Ensure safe access to casualty
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Prevent additional accidents
Do not enter unsafe areas.
Step 2 — Assess Casualty
Check:
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Consciousness
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Breathing
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Bleeding
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Spinal injury risk
Apply first aid as required.
Step 3 — Call Emergency Services
Dial:
111
Provide:
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Location
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Nature of incident
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Number of injured persons
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Condition of casualty
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Access instructions
Stay on the phone until instructed otherwise.
Step 4 — Provide First Aid
Provide:
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Bleeding control
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Airway management
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Spinal precautions
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Shock management
Continue until emergency services arrive.
Step 5 — Prepare Landing Zone (If Helicopter Required)
If helicopter rescue required:
Prepare landing area:
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Clear loose items
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Identify safe landing zone
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Maintain clear communication
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Follow rescue crew instructions
Missing or Overdue Pilot Procedure
If a pilot fails to arrive at landing:
After Expected Arrival Time
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Attempt radio contact
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Attempt phone contact
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Check known landing areas
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Confirm last known location
If Pilot Remains Missing
Call:
111
Provide:
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Last known location
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Pilot description
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Equipment details
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Flight plan (if known)
Remain available for coordination.
Severe Weather Response
If conditions deteriorate rapidly:
Actions:
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Cease launching immediately
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Notify airborne pilots
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Direct pilots to safest landing options
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Monitor pilot status
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Account for all pilots
Incident Communication Protocol
Communication must be clear and controlled.
Notify Emergency Services
Immediately when:
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Serious injury occurs
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Rescue required
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Pilot missing
Notify NZHGPA
After:
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Serious incident
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Injury
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Safety-critical event
Follow required reporting procedures.
Notify Family (If Required)
Only after:
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Emergency services engaged
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Accurate information confirmed
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
Equipment and Emergency Resources
The following emergency resources should be available during operations:
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First aid kit
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Radio communication
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Mobile phone
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Emergency contact list
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Site access information
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Thermal blankets (recommended)
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Whistle (recommended)
Site-Specific Emergency Planning
Each training site must include:
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Site access route
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Emergency vehicle access
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Helicopter landing options
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Known hazards
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GPS coordinates (recommended)
This information may be included within site assessment documentation.
Post-Incident Actions
After an incident:
Secure the Area
Prevent further injury.
Record Incident Details
Include:
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Date
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Time
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Location
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Persons involved
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Description of incident
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Actions taken
Report Incident
Notify:
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NZHGPA (as required)
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Relevant authorities (if required)
Review Incident
Conduct:
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Internal safety review
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Identify contributing factors
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Implement corrective actions
Emergency Equipment Checks
Emergency equipment should be checked:
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Before each training day
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After use
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At seasonal review
Damaged or missing equipment must be replaced immediately.
Training and Familiarisation
All instructors assisting in training operations must:
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Be familiar with this ERP
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Understand emergency procedures
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Know emergency contact methods
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Maintain current first aid certification
Emergency procedures should be reviewed periodically.
Safety Review
This ERP will be reviewed:
Pre-season(September–October)