Police helicopter officer nails three difficult rescues in Tasmania's wilderness in first week

Constable Bryan Powell had to call on every bit of his helicopter rescue training during his first week on the job. Key points: Police rescue staff have had a bumper week of rescues in the Tasmanian wilderness One mission included rescuing kayakers from Lake St Clair in treacherous conditions Police are urging walkers to be well-prepared for unpredictable weather Constable Powell and his supervisor Sergeant Matthew Drumm conducted three rescues in a matter of hours — as part of Tasmania's Westpac rescue helicopter team. Tasmania's wilderness 'beautiful one day, deadly the next' Photo shows Bushwalkers warning sign in Tasmania The sign at the start of one of Tasmania's most popular trails spells it out, in several languages — the wilderness is "beautiful", but "deadly". Adventurers urged to be prepared Sergeant Drumm has been part of the rescue helicopter team for 16 years and said the message remained the same for walkers and adventurers as winter approached: Be prepared. The helicopter was unable to land due to the extreme weather, but police search and rescue officers and an Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedic reached the couple about midnight.