On Saturday, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter completed its 7000th rescue mission.
A 20-year-old man, who had fallen on the south breakwall at the Tweed River mouth, was winched to safety after being treated by a doctor and paramedic, who had been winched down to treat him.
Once stabilised, the patient was winched clear and flown the 500 metres across the river to the Tweed Heads Hospital with lower left leg fractures.
The rescue was typical of those flown by the Helicopter Service since its inception in December 1982 and highlights the plight the region would be in without the chopper.
Chief crewperson Roger Fry said, ‘the service has impacted on so many families through the patients we have flown and the many lives that have been affected.
‘We need the community’s support more than ever right now as the current difficult economic times have seen a downturn in donations recently. While flying 7000 missions is a major achievement and something that we are proud to have been able to provide to the region, we need ongoing support to help ensure we can continue to perform future missions,’ he said.
To give your support, visit the service’s website www.helirescue.com.au, by phone on 6627 4444, or make a donation at its op shops in Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Grafton.
