Westpac Lifesaver helicopter resumes 24/7 operations
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will commence 24/7 rescue operations in Sydney from today. In 2007 the Ambulance helicopter contract was awarded to an international company and rescue services were restricted for the Westpac crew to daylight hours only. Prior to the last state election, additional funding was promised by the previous State Government. In 07/08, the Westpac Life Saver helicopter flew only 50 missions, which was far less than the 1100 missions it had flown annually in previous years. "We have worked hard over the last 12 months to consolidate our services so that we can provide an outstanding rescue capability to the community on behalf of emergency services," said Westpac Life Saver CEO, Stephen Leahy. A second helicopter has been acquired with the assistance of their major sponsor, Westpac Bank, and a new base has been established on the NSW south coast at Moruya Airport. More than 300 rescue missions have been performed over the last 12 months and with the new operational hours, this is expected to rise. "We will be able to provide a rescue helicopter 24 hours every day starting this weekend," said Mr Leahy. The Service operates with many emergency services, particularly the NSW Police Force, Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR), the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW. "We have always offered our services to all emergency services so that the community has a high level of protection," said Mr Leahy. "We have ...
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A shark spotted by SLSQ's Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service near Double Island on the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday 21 September 2011. To reduce the risk of incidents involving sharks and humans: - Always swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags Pay attention to beach signage - Don't swim in canals, river mouths or deep channels Never swim at dawn, dusk or at night - Never swim in murky waters Never swim where schools of fish have been sighted - Never swim in areas where fish scraps have been discarded Always swim with a friend - Avoid swimming with dogs or other animals - Don't swim when bleeding - Don't swim near, or interfere with, shark control equipment - Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted - If you are unfamiliar with the area, seek advice before entering the water.
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February 21st, 2012 - 03:27
0:24 looks like you have the exclusive.
February 21st, 2012 - 04:18
Well done boys!! And the best part about this service is the Doctors have no control over it and it won’t be taken away to do inter-hospital for NSW Health.