CapRescue is excited to announce the launch of its new social enterprise, CapRescue WorkReady, supported through the Shell QGC Communities Fund. CapRescue WorkReady will operate as a profit-for-purpose business, with all surplus revenue going directly back to support the Rescue Helicopter Service.
Operations Manager Kirsty Wooler said that while CapRescue maintains contracts with the Queensland Government, we still need to raise millions of dollars each year to keep the Rescue300 helicopters flying and saving lives.
WorkReady offers essential occupational health and hygiene services, including RESP-FIT accredited respirator fit-testing and hearing protection fit-testing. These services are vital in Gladstone’s industrial sector, where availability has been limited. By providing mobile, onsite testing, WorkReady will help meet the demand while contributing to workplace safety and supporting CapRescue’s mission.
Krista Burton, who leads the WorkReady team, noted that protecting worker health aligns closely with CapRescue’s lifesaving mission. “Gladstone, with its heavy industry base, is the perfect place for us to assist. Services like respirator fit-testing are often already budgeted for by companies, so using WorkReady allows businesses to direct those funds back to CapRescue’s lifesaving efforts,” she said.
CapRescue WorkReady also offers screening services for alcohol and other drugs, and custom hearing protection fittings, with plans to add ear wax removal through microsuction next year.
Thanks to Shell QGC’s sponsorship, CapRescue WorkReady is now equipped with a mobile vehicle, allowing the team to bring services directly to worksites and remote areas. This ensures workers can be tested onsite with minimal disruption to their schedules, even in difficult-to-reach locations.
“Our new van means we can offer a convenient service to businesses while supporting the community that relies on our helicopters,” added Burton.
CapRescue is also grateful to Storage Choice Gladstone for securely storing the van and 4CC’s ‘Hammo’ for facilitating the introduction. As WorkReady grows, CapRescue hopes to form even more partnerships within the community to support this vital initiative.
Shell QGC has been part of the Gladstone and Western Downs communities for over a decade, investing more than $58 million into local partnerships. Their support for CapRescue WorkReady reflects their ongoing commitment to fostering strong, thriving communities.
CapRescue WorkReady marks a significant step towards financial sustainability while continuing to serve the people of Central Queensland. With Shell QGC’s support, this initiative will not only improve workplace health but also ensure CapRescue remains ready to save lives and continue making a real difference.
Gladstone Statistics 2023
46 – inter hospital transfers
7 – motor vehicle accidents
51 – primary’s – Including: ship/bulk carrier rescues, beast altercation, broken bones, falls, quad bikes, island medical, dirt bike, spear gun, shark attack, jetski, allergic reaction, snake bite,
6 – Search & Rescue
110 tasks – over 20% of our annual tasks
150 hours
2023 cost approximately – $2,150,000.00
Our flight times:
Gladstone – 22 minutes
Heron Island – 35 minutes
1770 – 41 minutes