Life-saving rescue helicopter partnership to continue

Monday 1 July 2019

One of the State’s most recognised partnerships is set to continue, with RAC appointed as the exclusive naming rights sponsor for Western Australia’s fleet of emergency rescue helicopters.

Based in Perth and Bunbury, the RAC Rescue helicopters perform over 700 lifesaving rescue and medical missions each year.

The helicopters and their highly skilled crew respond to road crashes, conduct search and rescue missions on land and at sea, and transfer seriously ill patients between medical facilities – providing a lifeline for our community in times of need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said the long-standing relationship between RAC and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) reflects a mutual commitment to improving community safety.

“The importance of this life-saving community safety service cannot be underestimated, with more than 6,750 missions flown since its inception,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“This sponsorship agreement marks the continuation of one of our most enduring community safety partnerships, helping achieve a safer State for all Western Australians.”

Commissioner Klemm said the RAC Rescue helicopters can be airborne within 15 minutes, stabilising patients at the incident scene and transporting patients to hospital sooner, ultimately saving lives and improving recovery outcomes.

RAC Group Chief Executive Officer Rob Slocombe said RAC is proud to continue their 16-year partnership with DFES.

“The safety of Western Australians sits at the heart of what we stand for as an organisation and we are incredibly proud to support such a vital part of the State’s emergency response network,” Mr Slocombe said.

“With the majority of missions in response to road crashes, RAC’s partnership with this critical life-saving service is a key part of our commitment to road safety in Western Australia.”

Established in 2003, the State’s emergency rescue helicopter service has transported more than 4,500 patients, and flown approximately 1.4 million kilometres, the equivalent of 35 trips around the world.

The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by DFES.

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Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543