Thousands of Cantabrians flocked to an emergency services open day in Christchurch today to get a close and personal look at what those on the front line do.
While they were there, a real rescue was taking place by the New Zealand Flying Doctors Service.
Armed offender officers were delivered by helicopter to a field, where they carried out the mock capture of an armed robber on the run.
The demonstration included police dogs, helicopters, and an armed offender squad - enough to delight the thousands-strong crowds of children and adults that attended.
The open day gave locals a look at the services protecting and serving them.
Christine Price from the Air Rescue Trust said the day was an opportunity to "get the message out about all of the fantastic emergency services and the way they all work together."
While the demonstrations and equipment showcases provided some excitement for those attending, a real rescue was being carried out on the other side of the building.
The New Zealand Flying Doctors Service brought in a patient from the West Coast who was badly injured in an accident.
Tim Johnson, a pilot for Flying Doctors, said it was quite a surprise the amount of people who had never heard of their service.
"They arrive at the airport in an ambulance and they say the New Zealand Flying Doctors Service - and they don't realise we have a New Zealand Flying Doctors Service."
The Flying Doctors operate differently from the rescue helicopter, transporting seriously ill patients from hospital to hospital, with nurses and doctors on board.
Patrice Rosengrave is a flight retrieval nurse with the service, and says the staff on board are specialty trained.
"We've got a minimum of at least five years of ICU or ED experience."
But the service is not fully funded, requiring an additional $2 million each year in order to run.
It saves hundreds of lives every year, like all the services on show at the open day.
Newshub.
