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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 were far less than the 1,100 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 upgraded the helicopter with a new rescue winch and the aircraft cabin has been modified because we are introducing Night Vision Goggles later this year"

Local state member, Michael Daley MP has been a great supporter of the extension to the helicopter’s operations.

Due to the close proximity of the helicopter base to the coast and the setup of the building, missions can be launched in as little as 4 minutes.

Continued funding is vital for the ongoing support of the Westpac lifesaver helicopter.

Donations and further information may be found on their website
http://www.lifesaver.org.au