Queensland’s RACQ CQ Rescue appeal for funds
This week marks the start of the 2022 RACQ CQ Rescue Annual Appeal which aims to raise $200,000 for the community-funded rescue helicopter service
RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee confirmed that another year of predicted record tasking combined with increasing operational challenges such as rising fuel costs meant community support for the service was ‘absolutely critical.’
The opportunity to upgrade helicopters to increase range, performance, patient comfort and the latest technology in aeromedical rescue would involve significant cost, but with community support, was achievable and would ensure the continued delivery of an excellent aeromedical service to rural and remote communities across Central and North Queensland.
The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year to anyone, anywhere, any time, free of charge, and covered an expansive area including south to St Lawrence, north to Townsville, west to the Bowen and Galilee basins as well as about 200km offshore.
“Since 1996 we’ve been assisting those in dire need and completed more than 10,500 missions,” said Mr Healee. “Every day our crew face difficult missions, life and death situations where every minute counts. When injury or illness strike, RACQ CQ Rescue is your best chance of survival.”
But saving lives across this huge and remote region isn’t the most difficult challenge faced. Funding the community rescue helicopter service is. Each year RACQ CQ Rescue has to raise more than $5 million to keep the current Bell 412 helicopters operational and flying to the rescue more than 60 times a month.
“Our need for community support is just as dire as some of the injuries and illnesses faced by our patients,” Mr Healee said. “RACQ CQ Rescue is always there when you need us. Now we need you.”