Minister welcomes RAC support for emergency rescue helicopter

Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson today thanked the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) for reaffirming its commitment to the State's only Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service, RAC Rescue 1.

Mr Johnson announced the renewed three-year sponsorship of the RAC with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital helipad today.

The Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service is managed by FESA and funded by the State Government and the RAC, which has sponsored the rescue helicopter since its inception in 2003.

"RAC Rescue 1 is the only dedicated emergency rescue helicopter operating in Western Australia," he said.

"It is a vital service helping those people who need critical care around-the-clock.

"The State Government spends more than $5million for the helicopter service each year which provides rescue services and hospital transfers.

"The RAC's ongoing support recognises the need for such an important service in our State." 

During this time the service has undertaken more than 1,460 missions and saved the lives of hundreds of Western Australians.

RAC Rescue 1 flies critical care specialists direct to an incident and then takes the injured directly to the hospital that can provide the best care.

While the focus of the service is emergency rescue, it also has a secondary role to provide essential hospital transfers.

It responds to a wide range of emergencies across much of WA, including traffic accidents, searches, and cliff and sea rescues.

RAC Group chief executive officer Terry Agnew said the support provided by the RAC was part of a broader sponsorship strategy to promote safer communities in WA.

"The RAC has been a long-term supporter of the RAC Rescue 1 helicopter and we are committed to continuing our support for FESA to help make WA a safer place," Mr Agnew said.