Western Australia’s RAC Rescue notched up its 5,000th mission this week, with the service playing a pivotal role over the past 13 years to provide life-saving medical treatment.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Assistant Commissioner Gary Gifford said one of the most common tasks RAC Rescue has attended over the years is road crashes, which accounts for two thirds of all call-outs.

“This year, 63 percent of fatal road crashes have sadly occurred on country roads, highlighting how important it is for country areas to be able to access high level medical care as quickly as possible,” Assistant Commissioner Gifford said.

“By transporting patients by air, the RAC Rescue saves precious time that could be the difference between life and death following an accident.”

RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said RAC is committed to saving lives and reducing serious injuries on our roads.

“The impact of road trauma is devastating, and RAC is proud to sponsor both RAC Rescue helicopters, having sponsored the Perth-based service since its inception in 2003,” Mr Golsby said.

The RAC Rescue covers 95 percent of the State’s population and responds around the clock to a range of incidents including road crashes, farming accidents, land searches, marine rescues, and time-critical hospital patient transfers.

The RAC Rescue is manned by a critical care paramedic, rescue crewman and an experienced pilot.

Based in Perth and Bunbury, the rescue helicopters are managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, with the Bunbury  helicopter funded by Royalties for Regions.