AT BMA CQ Rescue, 2024 was one that the organisation won’t forget in a hurry.
The community-funded rescue helicopter service, based in Mackay, is a lifeline to anyone, anywhere, at any time, across Central and North Queensland.
In 2024, BMA CQ Rescue performed 729 life-saving missions, including 264 in the Whitsunday Region.
Bowen and Proserpine were the top two visited regions, in 2024, with 82 missions and 76 missions respectively.
“In 2024, we welcomed BMA as our new naming rights partner, we took delivery of a new AW139 helicopter, and we spent 1,076 hours in the sky on 729 life-saving missions,” BMA CQ Rescue Stakeholder, Sponsorship and Communications Manager Tegan Philpott said.
“From urgent inter-hospital transfers to search and rescue missions and emergency responses, the highly skilled crew has worked tirelessly to provide critical care to those in need.”
The service extended to some of the region’s most remote and challenging locations, with 11 missions to Bowen Basin mine sites and six missions to cattle properties.
The service was also called to 18 search and rescue missions.
“On 123 occasions, we were primary responders at emergencies, and we were able to fly our community to major hospitals for additional treatment at Queensland Health facilities 383 times,” Mrs Philpott said.
Tourism and recreational activities also required the assistance of the service, with 54 flights completed across the 10 islands, reefs and bays across the region.
“Every mission flown and every life saved is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our supporters,” Mrs Philpott said.
“Together, we can make a difference in ensuring BMA CQ Rescue remains a vital lifeline for the regions.”
Mission Facts
729 Missions in 2024 including…
264 Whitsunday Region
259 Mackay Region
181 Isaac Region
25 Townsville/Rockhampton
Top most visited areas
Bowen 82 missions
Proserpine 76 missions
Moranbah 51 missions.
For more information visit BMA CQ Rescue.
