Two decades and ten thousand missions

More than two decades after its establishment, RAC Rescue completed its 10,000th mission on Wednesday 24 April 2024.

A quiet day shift was coming to a close when the call came through to the Jandakot base shortly after 5pm to assist a man injured by a fallen concrete wall in Bruce Rock.

RAC Rescue was airborne in less than 15 minutes, flying the 240-kilometre journey to meet the patient and attending St John WA volunteers at the local airfield before flying him to Royal Perth Hospital for further treatment.

Deputy Commissioner Operations Craig Waters AFSM commended RAC Rescue on the completion of 10,000 missions.

“An extended mission to Bruce Rock reiterates the importance of the service in a State as vast as ours,” Deputy Commissioner Waters said.

“Its ability to rapidly deploy to regional locations and fly people direct to Perth’s major trauma centres significantly contributes to improved patient outcomes.

“Whether it's evacuating sick people stranded by flood waters or responding to road crashes, offshore emergencies or cliff rescues, RAC Rescue is a major asset to WA’s emergency response capability and has helped save thousands of lives.

“I extend my thanks to the flight crews and support personnel for their commitment and dedication.”

Since the first mission on 11 August 2003, RAC Rescue has flown over 2.1 million kilometres, rescued over 6,700 patients and responded to 5,161 road crashes.

Based at Jandakot and Bunbury airports, the two primary helicopters are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provide vital search and rescue and aeromedical capabilities.

A dedicated backup helicopter also allows RAC Rescue to support DFES incident operations as it did most recently during the 2023 Kimberley floods and Total Solar Eclipse in Exmouth.

DFES is proud to deliver the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service with its emergency services partners CHC Helicopter, St John WA, the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority, WA Police Force and WA Health.

If you or someone you know has been rescued and you would like to share your story, please email us at ERHS@dfes.wa.gov.au.

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