Deborah Friend
CQ RESCUE took delivery of a new helicopter recently, which is able to fly 30 per cent faster than the old one, meaning it can reach hospitals more quickly and, hopefully, save more lives.
Last year, the Whitsundays was the most visited region for BMA CQ Rescue, with 270 callouts.
The new AW139 XQ8 helicopter, which has cost $26 million, arrived in style at the end of August.
It marked a momentous achievement for CQ Rescue – and everyone who has donated over the years – and it was celebrated with a special community welcome.
“To own our very own, state of the art, brand new helicopter is a huge accomplishment, and we are very proud to be able to offer a community display of the arrival of the first one, to celebrate,” BMA CQ Rescue communications manager Tegan Philpott said.
The public viewing of the arrival took place on August 28 and was attended by 1,000 community members.
CQ Rescue crews let off flares as the new helicopter – which was built in the Leonardo factory, in Italy – flew into the region’s skies for the first time.
A spectacular sunset air display included descending to 200 feet with gear up, orbiting, and vertical turns.
The fire trucks on the ground created a water arch for the AW139 XQ8 to roll through on landing.
The new helicopter was first ordered two years ago and completed earlier this year.
It was then transported to Australia in pieces, before being put back together, in Essendon, Victoria.
A CQ crew then flew it to Caloundra, where it was completely gutted inside and fitted out for aero-medical use.
On the first flight from Caloundra to Mackay Airport, where CQ Rescue is based, were pilot and flight operations general manager Tom, engineer Mal, and board member and former CQ Rescue Doctor Bert Sadlier.
Ben and Stacey Hilder, from Fergus Builders, were also on board, having bid at auction to be the very first passengers on board, at last year’s CQ Gala ball.
Following the community welcome and celebration, the helicopter was on duty for the first time, the very next morning, bright and early.
Whitsunday statistics from BMA CQ Rescue:
Last year, the Whitsundays was the most visited region for BMA CQ Rescue.
We were in the skies over the Whitsunday region 270 times.
We were in Proserpine 77 times, Bowen 75, and both Collinsville and Hamilton Island 41 times each.
We were part of primary responses to emergency situations, and we assisted with strokes, marine stings and snake bites, just to name a few.
A flight from Bowen to Mackay and back costs about $22,000, while Proserpine to Mackay and back is $16,750.
