LifeFlight Toowoomba rescue helicopter called to more animal incidents than any other base in Qld in 2024

In another busy year for the LifeFlight Toowoomba service, more people were helped for animal-related incidents across South West Queensland than any other base in the state. DETAILS.

New data released by LifeFlight has cemented the Toowoomba base as the busiest regional location in the service’s network.

Aeromedical crews flew more people after animal-related incidents than any other base in 2024. The data also reveals that Toowoomba, home to two rescue helicopters, helped 905 people in a 12-month period, flying a total of 936 missions that included 42 for motor vehicle crashes and eight search and rescue operations.

LifeFlight airlifted an elderly woman after she fell from her horse in the Somerset region in September 2024.

The Roma Surat Gas Aeromedical Service helicopter helped 59 people in 2024.

Animal-related injuries that highlighted a busy 2024 for the service included a Dalby woman who was bitten by a snake while in bed, responding to a teenager who was trampled by a horse during a polocrosse match and a man who was thrown from a horse while chasing a steer.

The eastern brown snake slithered under Kasey Leadbetter's bedsheets revealing itself after she had jumped out of bed.

LifeFlight chief operating officer Lee Schofield said the Toowoomba and Roma crews were called to a diverse range of emergencies in 2024.

“Our aeromedical crews can be tasked to everything from motor vehicle crashes, farming accidents to search and rescues, all in the one day,” Mr Schofield said.  

“It is why our crews are trained to handle all eventualities and are adept at handling complex missions.  

“Queensland’s strong population growth combined with our expanded capabilities mean we are called on more to help Queenslanders whenever and wherever we are needed.  

“It is why we are investing in new training programs, AW139 helicopters and bases in the regions where we operate.”

This Christmas. Jacqui Rich, her son Lucas and LifeFlight Dr Chris Jarvis are calling on Queenslander to donate blood to LifeBlood and money to LifeFlight.

  

LifeFlight chief medical officer Dr Allan MacKillop said LifeFlight aeromedical crews were ready to help with a vast range of medical emergencies in some of the remotest parts of the state.

“Our medical staff undergo intensive aeromedical training at the LifeFlight Training Academy, including Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), rescue winching and clinical scenario training, so they are ready for any eventuality,” Dr MacKillop said.    

“They can be called out to administer emergency medicine under the most trying circumstances, such as wild weather, or the aftermath of a multi vehicle accident.    

“It is why our helicopters are fitted out as mobile intensive care units with specially designed medical equipment for life-saving care, whether that is operating 35,000ft above the ground in a Challenger jet or in the back of a helicopter.

“This aeromedical intervention is critical, significantly increasing a patient’s chance of survival, so it is vitally important.” 

In total, LifeFlight helped 8477 people in 2024, 13 per cent more people than 2023 and more than any other year in the not-for-profit’s history.