Babcock rescue crew officer Garrett Parkes completes winch rescue with RACQ CapRescue

On just his second day on the job, Babcock rescue crew officer Garrett Parkes got to put his newly learnt skills to the test to carry out a risky winch rescue with the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue team. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

On just his second day on the job, Babcock rescue crew officer Garrett Parkes got to put his newly learnt skills to the test and complete his first winch rescue with RACQ CapRescue.

RACQ CapRescue was tasked by Queensland Health to an anchored container ship off Port Alma, south east of Rockhampton, late on May 23 to retrieve a man who was suffering suspected heart complications.

Garrett, a current army reservist, had recently completed training with Babcock and had two days earlier been cleared as a qualified rescue crew officer.

“I had been up in Rockhampton for a couple of weeks and once I was cleared to line it was my second official day on the job,” he said.

“We previously went out the evening before to do a reconnaissance of the ship and the patient but it was too dark and the pilot didn’t have a reference point so we opted to go out at first light the next morning.

“The boat was at anchor but there was a bit of wind and a small amount of swell when I was lowered onto the ship.

“I secured the patient in an air rescue vest and we were both winched into the helicopter where the patient was assessed and monitored by the on-board critical care paramedic.

“We then transported the patient to Rockhampton Hospital for further observation.”

Garrett said he felt pretty good after his first winch rescue.

“It was pretty exciting; I’d had all night to think about it,” he said.

“I’d just come off a few solid weeks of training so it was still fresh in my mind, it just felt natural. It was great to do it for real, it was so rewarding.

“Anytime you are doing a winch it usually has a bit of risk so it gets the blood flowing a bit.

Garrett Parkes completed his first winching rescue with RACQ CapRescue on just his second day on the job. Picture: Contributed

“But I was confident in my abilities and had a good team there with the pilot and the crew. It all went smoothly.”

Before applying for a job through Babcock, Garrett was a former Byron Bay lifeguard and professional surfer.

“I started out on the world surf league as a professional surfer for a majority of my career,” he said.

“Once I retired from that I moved into being a lifeguard. It was a pretty smooth transition and from there I joined the army reserve which I am currently still active in.

“I guess service and doing something bigger and more than myself is something that interests me.

“Through being a lifeguard in Byron Bay we worked with the helicopter, doing winching and training with them.

“That’s kind of what sparked my interest and then from there I started applying for jobs through Babcock and doing all the qualifications I could outside of what they would provide.

“I was lucky enough Babcock gave me a chance to come up here and start the job and here I am and loving it.”

Garrett Parkes is a former Byron Bay lifeguard and professional surfer, and current Army Reservist. Picture: Aden Stokes

Garrett said since the first winch rescue he had been on quite a few inter hospital transfers and primary accidents.

He said he was loving the job.

“It is really rewarding and I am trying to immerse myself in it,” he said.

“Part of the job is helping people and that’s what draws me to this line of work.

“It’s quite a dream opportunity being in emergency services, working on the helicopters is the tip of the spear in some regards.

“To be involved in such a highly skilled team, whether it be the pilots, the aircrew, the doctors and the paramedics, being surrounded by people like that is really rewarding. It’s great to see everyone working together and doing a rather unique and amazing job for the local community.”

Babcock has worked together with RACQ CapRescue in Rockhampton since 2013, maintaining and operating two mission-modified helicopters including a primary aircraft and a dedicated backup aircraft as part of the Queensland Emergency Helicopter Network.

The company currently provides pilots, crew and engineers, all locally based in Rockhampton.

Garrett Parkes says he is loving the job. Picture: Contributed

RACQ CapRescue executive director Mark Fewtrell was keen to see Garrett recently complete his first rescue aboard Rescue300.

“Our region is full of diverse terrain which often presents unique challenges for our rescue crews,” Mr Fewtrell said.

“On just his second day, Garrett was given an insight into the difficulties faced when performing a winch rescue over water in less than ideal conditions.

“Now that Garrett has completed his first rescue, we officially welcome him to the team that continues to make a real difference.”

Babcock Australasia’s acting managing director – Aviation and Critical Services, Duncan Milne, was proud to see the partnership and close teamwork between RACQ CapRescue and Queensland Health in action and commended Garrett on his first rescue.

“This retrieval underlines the challenges posed by the weather and environment,” Mr Milne said.

“It also highlights our commitment to ensuring safe, effective and efficient services to the community, while keeping the paramedics, doctors and nurses we work with safe when conducting airborne operations.

“This service is often the community’s only lifeline to help them when they need it.

“Keeping sophisticated aircraft ready to fly at short notice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year is a complicated task that is testament to Babcock’s expertise, commitment and focus on safe practices.

“Congratulations to Garrett on his first rescue and for continuing to embody our spirit of service.”