RACQ LifeFlight Rescue celebrates 25 years of service in the Wide Bay–Burnett region

Bundaberg’s LifeFlight Rescue service has reached a significant milestone. A pilot who has been supporting Wide Bay-Burnett locals for a quarter of a century tells what it’s like to save lives.

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue celebrated 25 years of service to the Wide Bay and Burnett region today, in a significant milestone for the Bundaberg-based operation.

The Bundaberg chopper and its crew have performed 2724 critical missions in the past 10 years alone, coming to the assistance of more than 2300 people.

Notable missions over the years include the 2011 and 2013 floods, and flights to rescue victims of dingo attacks on K‘gari (Fraser Island) in 2019.

More recently LifeFlight rescued two brothers from the ocean after their boat overturned off K‘gari in February.

The Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew plucked two brothers from the ocean in February after the boat they were on overturned near the northern tip of K‘gari (Fraser Island).

RACQ LifeFlight rescue pilot Peter Marris has been with the Bundaberg operation since it was established.

“It seems like it was only yesterday the service began, I can‘t believe it’s been 25 years,” said Mr Marris.

In that time Mr Marris has become well aware of the importance of RACQ LifeFlight Rescue to providing medical care to the people of the Wide Bay and Burnett region.

“I‘ve been able to help many residents and tourists in the region over my time with the Bundaberg helicopter service,” he said.

“The aeromedical service means people living in all areas within the Wide Bay and Burnett have access to a high standard of medical care available to them 24/7, 365 days a year.”

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Pilot Peter Marris has been with the Bundaberg operation since it was established 25 years ago.

Established on March 1, 1998, the growth of the Bundaberg operation led to the helicopter and crew being moved to a purpose-built facility at Bundaberg Airport in 2020.

Availability of key medical staff has recently been enhanced, with the Critical Care Doctor rotation increased from three day shifts a week to seven in February.

LifeFlight intends to expand the Critical Care Doctor roster to 24/7 availability in the future.

Originally published as RACQ LifeFlight Rescue celebrates 25 years of service in the Wide Bay–Burnett region