State Government to deliver more critical care in the air

For the first time in Western Australia’s history, the State’s Emergency Rescue Helicopters, known as RAC Rescue, will be staffed by a critical care physician and critical care paramedic – bringing more lifesaving support to those who need it most.

The helicopters – managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) in partnership with WA Country Health Service, St John WA (SJWA) and CHC Helicopters Australia – provide support to more than 90 per cent of Western Australia’s population.

Commencing on 14 September, the physician-paramedic model will start out of Jandakot with Bunbury to closely follow in 2027.

WA Country Health Service has recruited an additional 12 doctors with backgrounds across emergency medicine, anaesthesia and intensive care to support the service.

As well as an expanded clinical scope, the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service will be integrated into WA Country Health Service’s Command Centre and WA Health’s State Operations Centre (SHOC).

Integration into the Command Centre and SHOC builds on the list of partner agencies currently co-located under one roof – ensuring healthcare, transport and emergency services are coordinated as part of one system.

The service expansion delivers on recommendations from the WA Aeromedical Services Inquiry and brings the service forward with leading retrieval services. 

The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government and sponsored by RAC.