Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter News Summer 2013

7,000th Mission!
Holiday outing becomes 7000th mission.
Malcolm was nearing the end of a family holiday at Tweed Heads when his brother-in-law suggested they climb down the south break wall of the Tweed River to fish. Im not a rock fisherman, Malcolm said. I usually fish from the beach, but I thought Id follow my brother-in-law down the rocks. Then I slipped and heard a cracking sound and knew Id broken my leg. While his family rang for help Malcolm began to realise his rescue wasnt going to be easy. I was in a difficult position and in a lot of pain, Malcolm remembers. I was worried about my kids looking on, and worried as to how they were going to rescue me. But I was embarrassed more than anything. When I heard the helicopter was coming I was relieved, Malcolm said. I was in immense pain and I just wanted it to be over. The helicopter medical retrieval team consisting of a doctor and paramedic were winched with precision on to the rock wall by air crewman Mick Kerry. When the doctor came down the winch she reassured me, Malcolm said. Doctor Anna Rogers said her role was to administer more pain killing medication and prepare Malcolm for the winch. The ground crew had done a great job and I only needed to make Malcolm more comfortable and explain to him how the winch operation would unfold. Malcolm said the helicopter doctor and crew performed liked a well drilled team. I had to be lifted carefully the pilot had to be careful, the winch man had to be careful. When I reached the aircraft the crewman reassured me saying we only had a couple of minutes flight to get me to the hospital. I have a fear of flying but I didnt have any fear it was just a salvation - these people gave me a sense that things were going to be well. Once the helicopter lifted off I knew there was going to be an end. Malcolm was flown the short distance across the river to the Tweed Hospital where the medical staff were already awaiting his arrival. Dr Anna Rogers is winched onto the wall. Malcolm is winched from the break wall. Now he is on the long road to recovery Malcolm has time to reflect on his ordeal and rescue. I can only remember parts of the winch, but will always be grateful for the effort of the rescue staff, he said. I would hate to think of anyone else suffering their worst moments and this service not being available. Though you may not get much thanks at the time, always know, that your rescue of me will forever be in my heart.

Malcolm with his sons Benjamin (l) and Jonathan.

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Having recently passed two major milestones the Services 30 year anniversary and the 7000th mission it is timely to re-affirm our commitment to our mission - to deliver emergency medical and rescue helicopter services 24 hours a day, every day of the year, free of charge, whenever life is threatened.
As General Manager I am proud to be part of a professional and hard working team who all have the helirescue services mission at heart. Our pilots, crew and engineers, the medical retrieval team, the fundraising and administration staff and our hundreds of volunteers, all have one aim in mind to ensure that we operate a safe, efficient aeroambulance service for the communities and visitors to Northern NSW. In November our 7000th mission, rescuing an injured man from rocks on the Tweed River break wall, required the teamwork and skills of all on board pilot, air crew, doctor and paramedic. The mission also demonstrated the relationship and teamwork we have with on-ground emergency agencies who are often first on the scene. In December we marked the official 30 year anniversary since the Helicopter Service flew its first mission on December 20 1982. The anniversary was celebrated at a special ceremony at the Lismore Helibase. Don Page MP, Minister for the North Coast unveiled a commemorative plaque and Surf Life Saving also presented a plaque from their service. Westpac Banking Corporation made a cheque presentation of $50,000. In the next few months Chief Pilot Andy Baker and Air Crew Chief Roger Fry have the task of guiding three new pilots through their induction into the Service. These new pilots will expand our pilot team to provide internal leave coverage and greater flexibility in training demands. Along with having two doctors available, we are well positioned to continue to provide one of the best helicopter rescue services in the country. One of the most important links in the chain for the helirescue service is you; the community that campaigned for a rescue helicopter service 30 years ago and have backed that energy with ongoing support. As we often say we cant do it without your support. Whilst it is a constant effort to raise money to keep the helicopter flying we feel that this not only means there is a real sense of community ownership, it also ensures there Kris Beavis General Manager is local control over our operations and direction. We only have to look back at our record over the past 30 years to see how effective this community partnership has been. I look forward to continuing working together to help keep the helicopter here where it began 30 years ago.

Dale Ambler, Westpac Regional General Manager North Coast presents a cheque for $50,000 to General Manager Kris Beavis at the 30th anniversary ceremony held at the Lismore Helibase on 20th December.

WESTPAC BANK BRANCHS SUPPORT

Our thanks go to our naming rights sponsor Westpac and their branch staff who held colouring in competitions across our region during Helicopter Awareness Week. Lots of pre-schools and primary schools got involved and the staff in each branch were a great help in promoting and organising the competition.

Little boy lost

When 4 year old Riley Martin was lost early in October the helicopter flew low overhead searching for him, scaring the lost, frightened little boy. Luckily Riley was found safe and sound the next morning by a couple searching on the beach. Turns out Rileys great great grandmother, Lois Bush, is a Helicopter volunteer in Nambucca Heads and sent us this photo of Riley with a toy helicopter Lois gave him. He was scared when he saw the photo of the helicopter because it brought back memories of the night when the helicopter flew very low over his head, searching for him. He was happy though when we gave him the toy helicopter, Lois said. Good news story all round.

MOBILE FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Thanks to the generosity of Geoff King Motors in Coffs Harbour, the Service now has a mobile flight simulator. Geoff King donated a Volkswagen van and our engineering team installed a helicopter flight simulator in the back of the van. Complete with three large screens, pilot and crewman seats and flight controls, the system enables anyone to jump in and learn about some of the complexities involved in flying our Dauphin N2 helicopter. The Service will be taking the van around the region to events and various major locations. For a small entry fee people can spend a few minutes inside the rescue helicopter simulator. We encourage everyone to get up close and take look inside next time you see it.

Schools in the Clarence area participated in a unique celebration of Helicopter Awareness Week in 2012. The All Schools Unite program invited schools to develop their own themes and hold Helicopter red and yellow days - mufti days, red and yellow cupcake days and bbqs. A whopping 26 schools took part and were each supplied with a model helicopter and a plush pilot teddy as prizes which every child who participated went into a draw to win. It was an incredible effort and combined, the schools raised just over $6000. Many thanks to all students, teachers and parents for their involvement and especially Noel Watkins for spearheading such a fantastic idea and his daughter Karen Crispin for her tireless administrative organisation. Given that the cost of flying one mission is over $5,000, these schools have, in fact, saved someones life.

ALL SCHOOLS UNITE

30 Year Anniversary Raffle Update

Thanks to Kimberley Discovery Cruises who increased the value of their prize in the 30th Year Anniversary raffle to a High Season 16 day cruise valued at $17,990! Our next major raffle is due to start in late February. Prizes include a $2,000 fuel voucher, a $2,000 grocery voucher and a $6,000 holiday voucher.

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CHIEF PILOT ANDY BAKER
As I settle into the role of Chief Pilot I want to thank Kris Beavis and Roger Fry along with the operations team, engineers and all staff who have made me feel so welcome. Over the next couple of summer months, we will integrate Jason Cusack, Lachie Hayes and Nathan Scard to join our Line Pilots Rob Moore and Tom Hulse. We welcome them and their families to our community. The high skill set of our pilots is critical and we will maintain our focus on training and assessment. During this time there will be training that covers winching, night operations, night vision goggle flying and instrument proficiency in the AS365N2 helicopters operated by the Service. We ask for your patience when you hear our helicopter as our training cycle ramps up - this is all working to the end of having six of the best experienced and skilled pilots working with aircrew of the highest skill level in our industry. Indeed, when you hear the helicopter overhead, be aware it may also be a lifesaving mission and the training we undertake ensures that such missions are completed safely for the patient and crew.

MISSIONS
JUNE 3 - EATONSVILLE: Airlifted a 10 year old boy with suspected spinal injuries following a fall from a horse at Eatonsville, to Coffs Harbour Hospital.

ENGINEERING MANAGER HEATH MCDONALD

It goes without saying that the engineering team plays a vital part in the safe and efficient operation of the Service. The last few months of 2012 saw our team focusing on general maintenance on the aircraft. As we move into 2013 our team will be gearing up for a major 600 hour service on our secondary aircraft, Lifesaver 2 - LRC. This service will take approximately three weeks to complete and will engage other technicians such as licence aircraft engineers and avionics specialists. We work in close liaison with the pilots and aircrew who carefully monitor the aircraft on a daily basis, reporting any mechanical problems to the engineers. In the next 6 months one of our engineers Patrick Wright will be conducting ground school for the new pilots which involves the training on the aircraft systems such as hydraulics, fire detection systems, flight controls, caution warning systems and many more which will take up to four days for each pilot to complete.

JULY 8 - WOODENBONG: Airlifted a male suffering suspected spinal injuries following a motor cycle accident at Woodenbong, to Lismore Base Hospital.

JULY 28 MINNIE WATER: Airlifted a patient with head and lower back injuries suffered in an MVA at Minnie Water, to Coffs Harbour Hospital.

On the operating table - engineer Patrick Wright prepares a turbine for maintenance.

AUGUST 5 KYOGLE: Airlifted a 31 year old female and 44 year old male with multiple chest and leg injuries, following a MCA near Kyogle, to Lismore Base Hospital.

Lismore MP Thomas, rescue crew Tom Lee Lewes and Tenterfield Shire Mayor Peter Petty at the opening of the Urbenville helipad.

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CHIEF CREWPERSON ROGER FRY
As we move into 2013 it is reassuring to know we have experienced a long period of stability of our air and rescue crew members. The senior aircrew members collectively continue to display a true desire and commitment to the helicopter service and the community. Our fresh young rescue crews continue to show spirit and to develop the required skills to lead the service into the next chapter for the community helirescue service. One of our biggest challenges is to balance the roster coverage and maintain our face to face involvement with community groups and individuals. This part of our duties is personally rewarding; the support we continue to receive from the community is testimony to the belief that a Service like ours is essential when unplanned incidents and accidents occur.

AUGUST 29 - RED ROCK: Airlifted an 18 year old male patient injured in an MVA at Red Rock, to Coffs Harbour Hospital.

SEPTEMBER 3 MT. LINDESAY HIGHWAY: Airlifted a 69 year old male with head and spinal injuries suffered in an MVA on the Mt. Lindesay Highway, Woodenbong. Patient airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital.

Kris Beavis and Don Page MP, Minister for the North Coast with the commemorative plaque unveiled at the 30th anniversary celebration in the Lismore Helibase on 20th December. SEPTEMBER 21 BARKERS VALE: Airlifted a 61 year old male who had fallen from scaffolding at Barkers Vale, to Lismore Base Hospital.

APN newspapers support the Helicopter

APN newspaper are proud sponsors the Northern Star, Daily Examiner and the Daily News are delighted to be able to offer the following subscription offers to rescue helicopter supporters. In addition, a component from each fully paid subscription will be donated to Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter to help the service to continue saving lives. To take up one of these great offers, please contact our Helibase on 6627 4444 and we will forward your details to the newspaper of your choice to get your subscription started. Northern Star Option 1 - Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will receive $50 from every 12 month subscription paid in full to The Northern Star (Discounted subscription valued at $386.90 Full price valued at $483.60)

OCTOBER 21- WOOLGOOLGA Water search for missing swimmer in water at Woolgoolga.

Option 2 - Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will receive $20 from every 6 month subscription paid in full to The Northern Star (Discounted subscription valued at $205.55 Full price valued at $241.80) Daily Examiner Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will receive $1 from every donor who subscribes to receive 6 issues (consecutive Mon-Sat) for $7.50 (including agent delivery fee) Full price $8.20 per week. Daily News Option 1 - Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will receive $5 from every donor who subscribes to receive 12 months subscription at $52 per year Option 2 - Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will receive $1 from every donor who subscribes to receive Mon Fri Northern Star and Saturday Daily news for $5 per week. *Conditions: the above promotion is offered from 1st January 2013 till the 31st March 2013. APN News & Media Company (ABN : 43 000 011 174) local contact details (care of the Northern Star); Media Centre, Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480, PO Box 423 Lismore NSW 2480 Phone: (02) 6620 0500 Fax: (02) 6624 4321 Email: help@northernstar.com.au Website: www.northernstar.com.au

HELL ON WHEELS
EVENTS CALENDAR 2013
Events
Wills Day Ballina to Byron Charity Walk Coffs Coast Charity Walk Lismore 4WD Caravan, Camping & Marine Show Chopper Day Lismore Base Open Day Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour Corporate Charity Golf Day Trinity Drive Xmas Lights

Date
18-22 March 19 May 2 June 5-7 July 2 Aug (tbc) 3 Aug (tbc) 5 12 Oct 15 Nov 13 24 Dec

A record number of 50 mountain bike riders cycled over 370km in 8 days in the 2012 Yellow Pages Hell On Wheels Cycle Tour. The riders raised an amazing $38,000 for the Helicopter. Special thanks to the 2012 sponsors, Yellow Pages, Bottlemart, Ballina Fair Swim & Gym, Budget Rental, Harris Cycles, Ray Tower Carpets, Jason Brookers Earthmoving & Lismore Motor Cycles. The 2013 Tour runs from 5-12 October

Ballina to Byron Bay Charity Walk

The inaugural running of the Ballina to Byron Bay Charity Walk was a smashing success. With expectations of 250 people participating in the first year, organisers were blown away with over 500 walkers registering to take on the challenge. Blue skies saw a picture perfect day as teams walked along the coast from Ballina to Lennox Head (12km), Broken Head (25km) or Byron Bay (37km). The walk raised over $58,000 for the Helicopter and with the success of the walk in 2012, we will be looking at increasing participant registrations to 1000 this year. We are also looking to create a family event at the finish line for 2013 from 11am 4pm on the Byron foreshore next to the Surf Life Saving Club. Thanks again to our major sponsor Woollam Constructions for their support of this event. The 2013 Ballina to Byron Charity Walk will be held on Sunday 19th May with registrations opening on 1st February, 2013. For more information visit www.byrontoballinawalk.com.au

Coffs Coast Charity Walk

Following the success of our inaugural charity walk from Ballina to Byron, we are expanding the concept to incorporate a new walk in the southern area of our region. The Coffs Coast Charity Walk will be held on Sunday 2nd June from Moonee Beach to Lower Park Beach Reserve along the beautiful coastline and beaches. In addition, we will also be holding a 25km running event for experienced runners from Woolgoolga to Coffs Harbour. We are hoping the Charity Walk will be an exciting new addition to the Coffs Coast calendar and an enjoyable, healthy way to support your community rescue helicopter. Registrations will open on Friday 1st March, 2013 - keep a lookout on our website www.coffscoastcharitywalk.com.au for more information.

7 Community Fundraising - We Cant Do It Without Your Support

Visit our markets at Lennox Head - held on the 2nd & 5th Sunday of the month, and the Ballina Twilight market, held on the riverbank at Fawcett Park between 4-8pm Thursday evenings during daylight saving months.

Thanks to The Bonville Golf Club who held a Golf & Gala Event in November . The pipers played & golfers enjoyed an afternoon round of golf followed by a gourmet BBQ dinner in aid of the Helicopter.

Happy 30th birthday! Kris Beavis and Cassino Meat Co. Chairman George Bennett cut the cake. Thanks to Peter Arthur and his wife Karen who ran the annual Trek Quest 4WD fundraising challenge, raising $11,000 each for the Helicopter and Our Kids.

Thanks to Pilton Valley Pork and Cassino RMS Processing Plant for their $1,000 donation.

A group of trainee police listened to a presentation about the Helicopter in recognition of 20 years of payroll deductions from Lismore Police.

Meet The Wombles winners of the Mid North Coast Womens Bowling Association fundraising letter W day which raised $700 for the Helicopter.

Thanks to Clarence Valley Council for passing $152,000 in support for the Helicopter since 1989, including $113,000 in payroll deductions from council employees.

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Have you considered leaving a bequest to Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter? By remembering the Helicopter in your Will, you will help save peoples lives in your region.... and maybe the life of a loved one. As residents of a regional community, the Helicopter is critical to all of us. Your bequest will help keep the Service here ready for the next patient who needs rescuing, or to be airlifted to a regional or specialist hospital. For more information on how to formalise your bequest as part of your Will, please contact us on 6627 4444 and we will forward you an information kit. DONATE NOW

Thanks to the recently reformed Grafton Volunteer Support Group and Jim and Jan from the Grafton Op Shop who walked the Helicopter lantern in the Jacaranda Festival Parade AND won 1st prize in their category! The Service receives tremendous support from the Clarence Valley region and the Grafton Volunteer Support Group will give a helping hand with fundraising in the area.

WANTED - Regular Giving supporters

Help your helirescue service by signing up today to start a regular monthly donation via direct debit from your credit card or bank account. Its simple and hassle free as we perform the debit for you each month and provide you with an annual receipt in July each year summarising your donations for your tax return. Below you can nominate to donate regularly and become what we call a Rescue Partner. Youll receive the benefit from making small regular contributions that are easier on the hip pocket but will still be providing such vital support towards helping us save lives. Be part of every mission we fly and become more than a supporter, become a Rescue Partner today!

My donation is Name Address

Yes, I would like to help save lives

$30 $50 $100 Date of Birth (Optional)

Donations over $2 are tax deductible

Please be assured that your details remain condential

Credit Card Visa Type Card No Name on Card Expiry Date Signature / Mastercard

$250 my choice $

Title Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Dr

Town State Phone (W) Email Please tick your choice of support: My cheque or money order is enclosed Make my support ongoing via a monthly debit against my credit card or bank account Debit my credit card or bank account once only Postcode (H)

Direct Debit Bank Name Bank Account Name BSB Signature 2nd Signature / Account No

THANK YOU please forward your support to PO Box 822, LISMORE NSW 2480

Get social with your community Helicopter! Our Helicopter now has 4 online channels with the hub being our website www.helirescue.com.au which has the latest news and information about your Helirescue Service. We have a secure online donation form, where you can choose a number of ways to donate including becoming a Rescue Partner by signing up for regular deductions. Its a convenient way to donate as you will receive a receipt immediately via email. While online join our social media channels and be part of our online community www.facebook/helirescue, www.twitter.com/helirescue.com, and www.youtube.com/westpachelicopter. Scan the unique QR code with your smartphone to go directly to our online donation page