October 7, 2015
RACQ CareFlight notched up its 500th mission since July 1 on Wednesday … a new record for the helicopter rescue service.
CareFlight’s new Brisbane-based helicopter has been working the hardest, flying 141 missions.
The Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast choppers were the next busiest, flying 138 and 135 missions.
CareFlight General Manager of Operations Brian Guthrie said the organisation’s decision to commence operations out of Brisbane was already benefitting the wider community.
“The Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba helicopters have traditionally been the busiest aircraft in our fleet; the addition of our Brisbane helicopter means we can share the load more effectively between bases, and reach more patients each week,” he said.
“This is the fastest that CareFlight has notched up 500 missions, and with the new bases in Mt Isa and Brisbane coming online we anticipate that the number of missions we perform each year will continue to climb.”
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South Burnett residents visiting Toowoomba on Saturday, November 14, have been invited to enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at RACQ CareFlight Rescue’s operations.
The CareFlight Community Open Day will run from 8:00am–1:00pm and will feature guided tours of the hangar and helicopter, prizes, giveaways, family entertainment and meet-and-greets with the Toowoomba rescue crew.
A barbecue and light refreshments will be available for a small fee, with all proceeds donated to CareFlight.
The day will also officially launch the new crew sleeping quarters which were funded by community donations of $60,000.
Entry is by gold coin donation.
CareFlight’s Toowoomba hangar is located on 180 McDougall Street. The event is being supported by the New Hope Group.
