Ready for rescue

The RAC Rescue team is well-versed in taking to the skies in a hurry.

Typically within 15 minutes of a call coming in, the crew are on board the helicopter from either the Perth or Bunbury base and heading to the incident or search and rescue scene.

With flying a helicopter, operating search and rescue equipment, and being winched down to the ground – working for RAC Rescue is no ordinary job.

Each member of the team - the pilot, aircrew and paramedic - have particular responsibilities and duties they need to carry out to make the mission a success.

We interviewed the team at the Bunbury base about what they do when a call comes in. Later that day, a call really did come in and the team allowed us to keep filming them getting ready to go, but without sound to protect patient confidentiality.

This video is what we captured that day. Find out what happens when a call comes in.

The RAC Rescue helicopters provide vital search and rescue critical care medical services to the WA community. They are funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and sponsored by RAC.