The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and NSW Ambulance have celebrated the opening of the purpose-built aeromedical base at Lismore Airport.
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NSW Ambulance’s chief executive Commissioner Dominic Morgan said the facility was the latest achievement in the NSW Government’s Reform Plan for Aeromedical Retrieval Services across the state.
“The communities of Northern NSW will benefit greatly from this new base, and the new AW139 aircraft that are enabling critical out of hospital care to be delivered when and where it is needed most,” he said.
“The clinical capability and aviation skill of the operational crews at this base is exceptional. With a NSW Ambulance helicopter critical care paramedic and a Local Health District doctor on board every flight, this team is delivering critical care direct to the scene of an incident and this care continues during flight back to a primary care hospital.
Since contract commencement on April 27, the Lismore service has completed more than 150 missions. The base is operational 24/7.
Richard Jones – CEO of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service, operators of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter – said the service was very pleased with the finished state of the base.
“Our focus since commencement in April has been to ensure the safest and most effective service for our community. Our local team has done an exceptional job to achieve the best community outcomes possible.
“The Lismore base is an asset for our community and we are delighted to deliver this facility. It provides accommodation for the crew and functional workflow and communication for local aircraft engineers and the operations team.
“It is also home for our local volunteers and support teams. I can’t speak highly enough of the local staff and volunteers who have worked extremely hard to achieve this milestone and I sincerely thank each and every one of them. Everyone from our service, NSW Ambulance and NSW Health have worked as one team, flexibly and committed to the best result.
“We are proud that local people delivered the community’s own Lismore base, and our ongoing focus now is ensuring the best possible aeromedical treatment, search and rescue services for this region.”
