The trust receives money under contract from the Ministry of Health, Southern District Health Board (SDHB), Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and police.
In addition, it receives donations which it uses to cover the financial shortfall from the cost of operating the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter.
Mr Black said the Government contracts had been renegotiated for the next five years, and essentially the level of funding had flatlined, despite continued growth in the number of emergency missions within Otago.
''The new contracts require communities to fund a greater share of the increased costs of growth in emergency missions. This increased liability has significant implications for our trust,'' he said.
Mr Black, of Wanaka, presented the trust's annual report to the Otago Regional Council at its meeting in Dunedin yesterday.
He said in the 15 months to June 30, the trust had received some ''very generous'' donations, including $412,500 from the council.
The trust was in a good financial position, providing it continued to receive a high level of community support, he said.
''Last year, we had to raise $500,000 to make up the shortfall to operate the helicopter, and if we had 10% growth during the next year that $500,000 would increase to between $900,000 and $1 million.''
''When we look at our growth pattern over the last 15 years, it's been pretty steady. Therefore, it's reasonable to presume it will continue. Having said that, accidents and emergencies are not predictable,'' he said.
The number of hours flown during emergency missions increased by 9% in the past 12 month-equivalent period.
In the 15 months to June 30, the trust received $4.5 million from government agencies, although the rescue helicopter cost just over $5 million to operate, leaving a $530,000 shortfall.
The trust received $938,000 in donations and bank interest, and spent $41,000 on administration, $34,000 on new medical equipment and set aside $108,000 for depreciation of medical and rescue equipment.
After covering the $530,000 shortfall, the trust was left with about $225,000.
Mr Black said the surplus put the trust in a good position and he was extremely proud of its operation and the service it provided.
The trust would spend a little extra employing a general manager this financial year, but still be able to allocate about 95c in every dollar donated to the rescue helicopter's operation, he said.
Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust: (15 months to June 30)
• 563 emergency patients flown to Dunedin Hospital.
• 1032 mission hours flown.
• $835,000 donated.
• Youngest patient: baby boy 16 weeks premature.
• Oldest patient: 91-year-old Wanaka woman.
• 71% missions during day, 29% at night.
• 95c in every dollar donated spent operating helicopter.
