July 22, 2015
RACQ CareFlight Rescue has flown a record 118 missions in the last three weeks, averaging more than five patients a day.
CareFlight spokesman Brian Guthrie said demand on CareFlight’s service continues to increase.
“We average around 100 airlifts per month, so to exceed this figure in just three weeks demonstrates how busy CareFlight is,” he said.
“The Toowoomba-based helicopter clocked up the most missions with 37 airlifts, while the Sunshine Coast crew flew to the aid of 28 patients.”
CareFlight’s helicopter crews attended a variety of time-critical missions from July 1-21 in and around the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Southern Downs, Western Downs, North Burnett, South Burnett and Fraser Coast.
Eighty-nine were to transfer seriously ill or injured patients between hospitals for specialist treatment.
Sixteen patients suffered injuries in on and off-road crashes, while 10 patients were airlifted from the scene of an accident, including six people who sustained injuries as a result of falls.
“CareFlight helicopters are always at the ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week – no matter the location,” Mr Guthrie said.
