November 14, 2013
RACQ CareFlight Rescue is preparing for future natural disasters and it needs local support to fund it.
CareFlight’s Suzie Washington is putting the call out to generous individuals, businesses, community groups and schools which may be looking for a charity to support.
“We have four major projects, all under $5000, that need urgent funding,” Ms Washington said.
One of the items is a Child Rescue Valise, which costs $3740, and is a special rescue harness that helps CareFlight’s crews winch small babies and children to safety.
“The Child Rescue Valise is invaluable during times of natural disaster, particularly floods, but can also be used in every day rescue situations,” Ms Washington said.
“Considering one in six CareFlight patients is a child under six – the device will be frequently used.”
The second piece of equipment urgently needed is a Longline for firebombing which will come in handy during the upcoming bush fire season.
“The Longline is attached to the helicopter at one end and a large bucket at the other, enabling the pilot to release a load of water to assist in fire bombing,” Ms Washington said.
“The hook and bucket have already been donated but we must raise $1705 to fund the Longline.”
The service is also seeking $2655 to fund a vital piece of medical equipment called an Emma Portable Capnometer, a portable respiratory gas analyser that literally offers patients a breath of life.
Lastly, but also importantly, CareFlight is seeking four aircrew life jackets at a cost of $2000 to keep crews safe during critical water winches and flood rescue operations.
“If your school, club or business is looking for a charity to support, there has never been a more vital time to donate to RACQ CareFlight. We would welcome any contributions to help fund these lifesaving projects,” Ms Washington said.
Please phone Suzie on (07) 4633-7299 if you can help.
It costs more than $18 million annually to keep RACQ CareFlight Rescue’s four community bases in the air and the charitable service relies on the community for more than a third of its funding.
