Life-saving rescue chopper sponsorship deal

The RAC will continue its vital community safety partnership with the State Government by sponsoring the State's Perth-based emergency rescue helicopter for another three years.

  • New agreement for State's emergency rescue helicopter

  • RAC to continue helicopter sponsorship

  • Service has completed close to 3,750 missions over past 11 years

The RAC will continue its vital community safety partnership with the State Government by sponsoring the State's Perth-based emergency rescue helicopter for another three years.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today announced that the RAC had been selected as the naming rights sponsor for the rescue helicopter, enabling the service to continue delivering help to West Australians involved in medical emergencies.

"This sponsorship is invaluable in supporting the delivery of this vital emergency service in Western Australia," Mr Francis said.

"Over the past 11 years, the rescue chopper has completed close to 3,750 missions. During that time, its highly skilled flight crew and critical care paramedics have saved hundreds of lives.

"RAC Rescue plays a crucial role in community safety by providing a rapid response during emergencies when lives are in danger. In times of trouble, it's reassuring for all of us to know that the rescue service is ready to help, every hour of the day, every day of the year.

"The sponsorship deal continues a long term partnership with the RAC which has had naming rights to the rescue helicopter since 2003."

The rescue service is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and funded by the State Government, with the assistance of RAC sponsorship.

The Minister said that as part of the State Government's commitment to community safety, a second helicopter rescue service will be based in the South-West from 2015-16.

       Fact File

  • The State's emergency rescue helicopter service was established in August 2003

  • Since its inception, the helicopter service has carried out close to 3,750 missions

  • Under current contractual arrangements, CHC Helicopters provides the helicopter and flight crew, while St John Ambulance provides the critical care paramedics. These contracts are currently being retendered

Minister's office - 6552 6500