Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter co-pilot chases a herd of cows away during a rescue in Bethells.

It's not everyday an Auckland rescue helicopter crew need to chase away a mob of cows.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew were sent to help a man who had collapsed at Te Henga walkway in Bethells on December 16.

While paramedics tended to the patient, rescue helicopter crew had to chase several cows away from their aircraft.

SUPPLIED Rescue helicopter attended to a call in Bethells when they encountered a mob of cows.

Co-pilot Simon Owen said the cow-mob may have mistaken his men for Santa Claus or his helpers because their uniforms were red.

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"They were very curious to find out what we were doing there."

SHELLEY PASSI/SUPPLIED A man and his wife were on the Te Henga walkway when they called emergency services for assistance.

Usually livestock tend to run away when the helicopter came closer, he said.

"As soon as we landed, they trotted towards us."

Owen jumped out of the helicopter and waved his arms, chasing the cows away.

Luckily, he managed to move the cows to safety before the patient reached the aircraft.

The patient, in his 60's and in a serious condition, was transported safely to Auckland Hospital, he said.

Owen said the cow-mob was an unusual experience but something rescue crews have to deal with during a job.

"We always have to consider livestock, especially when we're landing in a private property.

"We have to make sure that we don't cause horses and cows unnecessary stress.

"But this one was pretty odd and we were lucky that the owners came to help us so we didn't have to worry about the cows anymore."