Record number of missions for emergency rescue helicopter
Western Australia’s lifesaving emergency rescue helicopter service has carried out a record number of missions in a single year and will soon complete 3,000 missions. Illustrating the vital emergency service it provides, RAC Rescue undertook 416 missions in 2012, the highest number recorded in a calendar year since the service was established in 2003.
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson APM said the service was invaluable to the WA community and had saved countless lives over its 10 year history. “Completing 416 missions is a significant achievement for the service that continues to play a crucial role in saving countless lives in WA every year,” Commissioner Gregson said.
“Every second counts for people in a critical condition, particularly people who have been involved in car crashes, and the helicopter’s fast response time often leads to lives being saved.” The helicopter has completed 2998 missions and is forecast to carry out its 3000th mission later this week. “It is unfortunate that the need for RAC Rescue has continued to increase, but it is reassuring for the community to be able to rely on such a service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” Commissioner Gregson said.
“RAC Rescue can access many areas in our vast State that would take ambulances longer to reach, resulting in response times being halved and patients being helped sooner. “The State Government is proud to provide a service that helps people during the most severe emergencies and when they are most in need.”
The service is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and sponsored by the Royal Automobile Club of WA. The State Government contributes
$5 million annually to support the service.
