LifeFlight sets new record for Bundaberg missions

0
LifeFlight helicopter
LifeFlight crews from Bundaberg flew a record 298 critical missions in 2018-19.

LifeFlight crews flew a record 298 critical missions from the Bundaberg base in 2018-19 including 44 patients with cardiac conditions.

The numbers are the highest on record for the aeromedical rescue organisation, proving the need for the service is growing.

The LifeFlight airlifts from Bundaberg were valued at more than $3.7 million, but came at no cost to patients.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the service is much appreciated.

“Knowing your loved ones can be responded to quickly and efficiently offers extraordinary peace of mind to the average resident,” he said.

LifeFlight’s Director of Aeromedical Services, Brian Guthrie, said the rescue crews deliver world-class medical care in some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of Queensland.

“Our community helicopters spent more than 4630 hours performing missions across the state in the 2018-19 financial year,” he said.

“These figures show demand is growing for LifeFlight’s critical services.”

“Our highly trained aeromedical crews are ready to continue providing lifesaving care to seriously ill and injured patients, around the clock.”

Top 5 Bundaberg injuries and illness types

  1. Cardiac conditions (44)
  2. Motor vehicle & motorcycle accidents – on/off road, quad bike & pedestrian (33)
  3. Falls – animal, bushwalking/climbing, elderly, medical, other (26)
  4. Animal bites/attacks (23)
  5. Medical illness/infection (19)

“Like RACQ, the helicopters provide peace of mind 24 hours a day, 365 days a year not just for members, but for all Queenslanders,” RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said.  

“RACQ LifeFlight services can literally mean the difference between life and death – especially for motorists injured in car crashes.

“We’re urging all drivers to remember the Fatal Five. Ensure you’re not drinking and driving, you’ve had enough rest, you’re wearing your seat belt, put away distractions like phones and you’re sticking to the speed limit each and every time you get behind the wheel.”