More than 6000 people across Queensland have received lifesaving care from LifeFlight crews and doctors in the past 12 months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The numbers are the highest on record for the aeromedical rescue organisation, proving the need for the service is growing.
In a record effort, the Mount Isa RACQ LifeFlight Rescue base crews flew 49 critical missions between July 2018 and June 2019. The airlifts were valued at more than $610,000, but come at no cost to patients.
LifeFlight's Director of Aeromedical Services, Brian Guthrie, said the rescue crews delivered world class medical care, in some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of Queensland.
"Our community helicopters spent more than 4630 hours performing missions across the state, in the 2018-2019 financial year," Mr Guthrie said.
"These figures show demand is growing for LifeFlight's critical services.
"Our highly trained aeromedical crews are ready to continue providing lifesaving care to seriously ill and injured patients, around the clock."
TOP 5 MOUNT ISA PATIENT INJURY AND ILLNESS TYPES
1. Search and rescues (9)
2. Motor vehicle & motorcycle accidents - on/off road, quad bike & pedestrian (8)
3. Cardiac conditions (6)
4. Falls - animal, bushwalking/climbing, elderly, medical, other (4)
5. Medical illness/infection (4)
"Like RACQ, the helicopters provide peace of mind 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - not just for members, but for all Queenslanders," RACQ spokesperson, Lauren Ritchie, said.
"RACQ LifeFlight services can literally mean the difference between life and death - especially for motorists injured in car crashe," Ms Ritchie said.
"We're urging all drivers to remember the Fatal Five - ensure you're not drinking and driving, you've had enough rest, you're wearing your seat belt, put away distractions like phones and you're sticking to the speed limit each and every time you get behind the wheel."
Since the organisation's first airlift, in 1979, more than 56,000 patients have been rescued.
LifeFlight has been saving lives in Queensland, Australia and internationally, with LifeFlight's Critical Care Doctors, community rescue helicopters and Air Ambulance Jets performing 6031 critical missions in the last financial year.
In that time, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue community helicopters completed 2,003 community-based missions throughout Queensland.
While you are here subscribe to our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox at 6am every Friday.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
