Next Generation of Aeromedical Service Lands in Toowoomba in Time for School Holidays

The Toowoomba-based Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) will now be better equipped when responding to lifesaving missions.

A new era for the SGAS crew will see them working on board an AgustaWestland 139 (AW139) helicopter. 

RACQ LifeFlight's Chief Operating Officer, Brian Guthrie, said the upgrade to the AW139 will enhance the SGAS crew's lifesaving service to the community. 

"The faster AW139 aircraft features a state-of-the-art cockpit and avionics system, and a larger working space for the medical crew in the rear of the aircraft," Mr Guthrie said. 

The Toowoomba-based SGAS helicopter takes the place of the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue community helicopter when it’s undergoing maintenance.

Representative from the SGAS consortium, Liz Edwards, said the service provides up to 150 funded hours for community retrievals each year. 

“Since 2011, Queensland gas producers Arrow Energy, Origin, QGC and Santos have partnered with LifeFlight to provide a Roma and Toowoomba-based services for gas industry workers and community members requiring aeromedical transport in the state’s south-west,” Ms Edwards said. 

Mr Guthrie said the upgrade is a timely fit with the school holidays about to begin.

"These school holidays we're urging parents to remind their youngsters not to become complacent when they're out venturing," Mr Guthrie said. 

"Recent statistics have revealed that the SGAS and RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopters have airlifted 187 patients aged 18 years old or younger since the start of the year, which is 34 more than the same time last year."  

Join us at the Toowoomba LifeFlight Ball to support your local rescue helicopter service.

LifeFlight will take you ‘Behind the Hangar Doors’ for a glamorous black-tie Ball held in the Toowoomba hangar, September 1.

Tickets are available for purchase at tinyurl.com/LifeFlightBall

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