A lifeline in the sky
Most RAC Rescue missions are urgent. They’re situations where intervention by the helicopter crew can mean the difference between life and loss. Most commonly involving major trauma, the helicopters respond when advanced care simply can’t wait. At the request of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and WA Police Force, the RAC Rescue helicopters also conduct search and rescues on land and sea. So whether it’s a road crash, hiking incident, a farming accident, or a critically ill patient at sea, crews are ready.
RAC Rescue crews can also perform time-critical transfers, moving patients from regional hospitals to Perth for specialist care on behalf of the Department of Health. And when natural disasters strike, RAC Rescue can help DFES evacuate isolated communities, deliver supplies, and support emergency teams on the ground.
While two RAC Rescue helicopters operate from their bases, a third aircraft is ready as a backup. This helicopter steps in when one of the primary helicopters is undergoing maintenance; helping to ensure core services are uninterrupted, even when the unexpected happens. The backup helicopter can also be used when extra support is needed for large-scale emergencies. This has included missions to help communities impacted by floods in Carnarvon and the Kimberley.
