LifeFlight Australia has completed another record-breaking financial year, coming to the aid of 6,825 people through missions performed by RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopters, Air Ambulance jets and Critical Care Doctors “We’re proud to make a difference in the lives of so many people, including those in rural and regional Queensland, by being ready to respond, 24/7, 365 days a year,” said General Manager of RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Operations, Brian Guthrie.”We provide a critical service and high level of pre-hospital care to anyone who needs it, and that world-class care comes at no cost to patients.”
During the 2021-2022 financial year, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue’s helicopter fleet was called upon to be part of the multi-agency emergency response efforts, during three separate catastrophic flood events. “Queenslanders were challenged this year with really difficult situations, particularly in the floods. We saw a number of floods that we had to deal with and the versatility of our crews was second to none. We were able to respond to numerous rescue calls, but also when we’re out there we are seeing so much more happening and are looking to respond to others at the same time, so it’s a really difficult time for our crew and what we really rely on is their ability to make great judgement calls and really draw on their experience and skill set to get everyone to safety where possible,” Brian Guthrie said.
One of the most common call outs for the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopters in the past 12 months, was to assist people involved in motor vehicle incidents. “It’s incredibly disappointing to see crashes still in the top five reasons for call outs for the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Service. We know that many of these crashes are caused by the ‘Fatal Five’ and are avoidable and drivers need to be taking more responsibility for their behaviour behind the wheel,” said RACQ spokesperson, Tristan Vorias.”Our message to motorists, is to drive like your life depends on it – because it does..”
