RAC soars to new sponsorship heights with State's rescue choppers

• RAC wins naming rights of Western Australia's emergency rescue helicopters
• Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service has flown more than 10,000 missions since 2003
• RAC continues its valued role as sponsor which has spanned more than 20 years

The Cook Government has welcomed RAC continuing its long-standing sponsorship agreement with the State's emergency rescue helicopters.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said RAC won the contract for the exclusive naming rights - an arrangement that the RAC has held since shortly after the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 2003. 

Funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the emergency rescue helicopters respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Under the contract arrangements the RAC will continue to work closely with DFES to showcase the lifesaving work of the rescue helicopters and crew.

The helicopter service is undergoing a major upgrade with the Cook Government investing $26.7 million to provide new helicopters.

The introduction of three next-generation Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters will see the fleet operate over 334,000 square kilometres, covering more than 90 per cent of the State's population.

For more information about DFES' aerial fleet and the rescue helicopters visit dfes.wa.gov.au/racrescue.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The RAC has become synonymous with supporting our emergency helicopter rescue service over nearly 21 years and the Cook Government welcomes their ongoing valuable partnership in delivering this life-saving operation.

"As a community minded organisation, the RAC's vision of improving safety for all Western Australians closely aligns with our Government's focus and the operations and programs carried out by DFES.

"Our helicopter service operates across the State and has flown more than 10,000 missions saving people from road crashes, outdoor activities and even rescuing sick and injured sailors off ships.

"On behalf of all Western Australians I would like to take the opportunity to thank our helicopter rescue team for the incredible job they do and the RAC for their continued sponsorship and commitment to helping to safeguard Western Australians."

 Comments attributed to RAC Group Chief Executive Officer Rob Slocombe:

"RAC is proud to continue its 20-year partnership with DFES.

"As a purpose-led member organisation, our support of the emergency rescue helicopters represents much more than a sponsorship. It's something that connects our purpose and heritage.

"With the majority of their tasks in response to road crashes and the many thousands of missions the service has undertaken since RAC's sponsorship began, our strong partnership with DFES sits at the heart of what we stand for as an organisation.

"This critical life-saving service is a key part of our commitment to road safety in Western Australia."