RAC Rescue celebrates 20 years of missions

Western Australian air medical rescue service RAC Rescue has marked two decades of service, since undertaking its first mission on 11 August 2003.

RAC Rescue is a free service to the community, funded by the state government, sponsored by RAC and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

It is WA’s only emergency rescue helicopter service, operating from two bases in Jandakot and Bunbury, to respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The flight crew has flown more than 9,500 missions across the state, including rescuing people during the Kimberley floods in January, performing air medical evacuations during bushfires, and undertaking sea rescues in the Great Australian Bight.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said: “The flight crew of RAC Rescue have protected Western Australians for two decades and the Cook Government is extremely proud of the men and women who keep this vital service in the sky.

“The ability to get urgent rescue capability and medical care on the ground and fast transport to Perth’s trauma centers has delivered better patient survival rates plus shorter hospital stays and rehabilitation times – but, most importantly, thousands of loved ones are home safe today because of RAC Rescue.”

This milestone anniversary comes in the lead-up to a significant fleet upgrade, with the state government investing $26.7 million in three next-generation Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters with increased flight range and some of the most advanced aviation rescue technology available.

Dawson added: “The Cook Government is excited to open a new chapter for RAC Rescue in 2023, with a major fleet revamp that will decrease response times and boost capability for this world-class rescue service.”