RAC Rescue 1 helicopter
The RAC is the principal sponsor of the WA emergency rescue helicopter service, RAC Rescue 1. This service is managed by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and is vital for the Western Australian community.
RAC Rescue 1 transports critical care specialists to incidents all over WA and then transfers the injured party directly to the nearest hospital to receive the very best of medical care. The service is ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Since August 2003 the helicopter has undertaken more than 1100 missions. RAC Rescue 1 has responded to a wide range of emergencies across WA, including traffic crashes, cliff rescues, ship-to-shore rescues, emergency searches and hospital transfers.
The highly trained crew include a pilot, rescue crew person and a St John Ambulance critical care trained paramedic. In some instances a specialised medical doctor may also be onboard.
RAC Rescue 1 and the crew are stationed at Jandakot airport, which enables the helicopter to be in the air and on its way within 15 minutes.
The helicopter has a normal operating range of 200km from Perth, covering 90 per cent of the State’s population. The service can also be extended to cover regional areas such as the Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Albany and even the North-West as required.
SAFER COMMUNITIES
The emergency rescue helicopter service is the most valued community sponsorship by RAC members, according to a recent member survey.
The support provided by the RAC to assist the emergency rescue helicopter service is part of a wider RAC sponsorship programme to build safer communities in WA. This programme also includes the sponsorship of Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch and is in the process of focusing more on regional areas.
The RAC is proud to be working with FESA to support the state emergency rescue helicopter service in making WA a safer place to live.