Since its debut mission in January RACQ CareFlight’s single-engine Squirrel has helped more than 60 people in just 75 days of operation based at the Toowoomba Hangar on weekends and school holidays.
As a result RACQ CareFlight purchased a $3.2M twin -engine helicopter to boost the services’ capabilities. Today in front of a packed hangar the aircraft landed in Toowoomba just in time for the holiday season.
“The Bell 230 is an excellent machine for air-medical retrieval. We made a commitment to the residents of the South West last year and delivery of this all weather helicopter proves just how serious we are about servicing the region long term,” said CareFlight CEO Ashley van de Velde.
The Bell 230 will be based in Toowoomba on weekends and school holidays replacing the Squirrel that has been doing the job since January.
The twin-engine aircraft is fully equipped for instrumental flying conditions allowing patients to be carried into the night and in most weather conditions.
“With the Squirrel we were limited to daylight flying. Now with the Bell 230 we can accept a job at 3pm without having to worry about the possibility of running out of light,” said Ash van de Velde.
RACQ CareFlight’s South West service has helped more than 60 people since December, but for the not-for- profit rescue organisation to keep up with demand community support is vital.
On board every flight there’s a QAS Paramedic and Critical Care Doctor providing patients with on the spot emergency care, which is proven to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Each time a RACQ CareFlight helicopter goes to help someone it now costs roughly $9000.
Every cent of every donation is essential to the running of the local service. Each year it costs a staggering $1.4 M to fund RACQ CareFlight South West, with donations and sponsorship providing a $800,000 subsidy.
“CareFlight is working overtime developing its other business activities so it can make up the $600,000 shortfall. Quite simply without public support RACQ CareFlight wouldn’t have a home in Toowoomba, the residents must be commended for their loyal support, said Ashley van de Velde.
“Together RACQ CareFlight and the community are helping more than 3000 people each year, lets continue working together knowing we are making a huge difference.”
ENDS
Media Contact Renee Buckingham 0421 381 023