Launched today and operational from 1 February 2016, the new RAC Rescue helicopter will primarily be based in Bunbury and will provide critical care medical services, essential hospital transfers, and respond to search and rescue missions.
RAC Group CEO Terry Agnew said RAC is committed to giving back to its members and the community, and is proud to now sponsor both RAC Rescue helicopters, having sponsored the Perth-based service since its inception in 2003.
“Joining the existing Perth based RAC Rescue helicopter, the helicopters will operate together as the States only dedicated 24 hour emergency rescue helicopter service and will help to provide medical assistance which is not always immediately on hand,” Mr Agnew said.
“On average 75 per cent of missions flown by the Perth based RAC Rescue helicopter are to regional WA and the new regionally based helicopter will provide the community with a greater chance of receiving treatment within the ‘golden hour’ of survival.”
Research indicates that the time saved by using helicopters to retrieve patients with major trauma injuries often reduces patient recovery time, the likelihood of long term serious injury and in many cases even death.
The RAC Rescue helicopters are managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
The Perth based RAC Rescue helicopter has flown more than 4400 missions since 2003.
The ‘golden hour’ of survival is the first hour immediately after a victim sustains traumatic injury during which there is the highest likelihood that medical treatment will prevent death.
Media Contact: RAC Media Office 0401 703 719
