Life Flight recognised on ruby anniversary

LifeFlight has been operating in Queensland for 40 years, and the service has been celebrated by the Premier on it's anniversary.

RACQ LifeFlight Helicopter landing on a hospital helipad. Picture: Bev Lacey

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has praised RACQ LifeFlight for 40 years of service to the Queensland community, describing the organisation as 'one of our great institutions'.

She said LifeFlight provided one of Queensland's most important services.

"My Government, through Queensland Health, is proud to support LifeFlight because our partnership delivers vital medical services to those living, working or travelling in Queensland.

"What began as a single helicopter rescue service is now an important link in our critical care network.

"LifeFlight's work helps bridge the 'tyranny of distance', performing almost 2000 life-saving missions across our vast and sometimes unforgiving landscape each year.

"At any time of the day or night, at least three LifeFlight doctors are in the air somewhere.

"I would like to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers who've helped to make LifeFlight one of our great institutions,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

In the past 12 months, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopters completed 1819 assignments across 41 local government areas in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

It also provides an air ambulance service with three jet aircraft serving Queensland Health and Northern Territory Health.