RACQ’s sponsored rescue helicopter network has clocked up more than 1220 missions saving hundreds of lives in just the first five months of the year.

The network, which included RACQ LifeFlight Rescue, RACQ CQ Rescue and RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service, provided care to more than 75 percent of Queensland.

RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said like RACQ, the helicopter rescue service provided peace of mind 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

“The work of the dedicated helicopter rescue crews can literally mean the difference between life and death – especially for motorists injured in car crashes,” Ms Ritchie said.

“Just in the last fortnight, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue airlifted a two year old boy with breathing difficulties from Fraser Island, CQ Rescue was called to help a woman who had fallen from a train near Mackay and Capricorn Rescue responded after a motorcycle and four wheel drive collided near Yeppoon.”

Ms Ritchie said the helicopter sponsorship was one of the most valued sponsorships by its members.

“We’re about helping Queenslanders, whether that’s by road or by air, so being associated with the community helicopter network goes to our very DNA,” she said.

“As a mutual, it’s important money goes to where our members believe it should be going and that’s exactly why we gave more than $5.25million to the rescue helicopters.

“RACQ has been involved with the LifeFlight Rescue helicopters for 23 years and has donated to the RACQ CQ Rescue and RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue services since 1991.

“It’s a long running partnership and one we know we’ll continue with for years to come.”