• Today marks 20 years since the first RAC Rescue mission in 2003
  Aeromedical rescue service set to receive major fleet upgrade later this year
• RAC Rescue is celebrating two decades of saving lives across Western Australia, having flown the equivalent of more than 50 trips around the globe since undertaking its first mission on 11 August 2003.

The flight crew has flown more than 9,500 missions across all corners of the State, including rescuing people during the Kimberley floods in January, performing aeromedical evacuations during bushfires in the South West and undertaking challenging sea rescues in the Great Australian Bight.

RAC Rescue is a free service to the community, funded by the State Government, sponsored by RAC and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

It is WA's only emergency rescue helicopter service, operating from two bases in Jandakot and Bunbury, to respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The demand for emergency air rescue has grown substantially since 2003, with the second base opened in Bunbury in 2016 and a third back-up helicopter introduced in 2018.

The milestone anniversary comes in the lead up to a significant fleet upgrade, with the State Government investing $26.7 million in three next-generation Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters
with increased flight range and some of the most advanced aviation rescue technology available.

Comments attributed to Jane Kelsbie MLA, Member for Warren-Blackwood
“From its inception in 2003, RAC Rescue has saved lives and helped keep Western Australians
safe during the most challenging of times.

“Whether it be bushfires or floods, or responding to emergencies on our roads and along our
coastline, RAC Rescue have been a reassuring presence in our lives.

“And I’m grateful that the South West now has a dedicated RAC Rescue helicopter operating out of
Bunbury.

"I think I speak for everyone in Warren-Blackwood in thanking RAC Rescue for their
professionalism and life-saving work.”

RAC Rescue statistics (as of 30 June 2023):

• RAC Rescue has:
  • Travelled 2,020,626 million km across Western Australia – equal to travelling around
    the world 50.4 times
  • Attended 4,903 road crash rescues
  • Completed 994 search and rescues
  • Transported 6,524 patients
  • Spent 22,370 hours on missions, equal to 2.55 years or 932 days non-stop in the air
  • Conducted 9,575 missions

Media Contact: Stephen Smyth 9848 3171