We’ve winched patients from cruise ships and trails near Mount Archer, flown into remote properties and cattle stations, and transferred hundreds of patients to lifesaving care — all by mid-year.
With over 260 missions already completed in 2025, there’s no sign of things slowing down for our team here at CapRescue.
Since January, we’ve flown more than 430 hours — the equivalent of nearly 18 full days in the air — responding to a wide range of emergencies that reflect the unique geography and lifestyle of Central Queensland. And with operational costs already exceeding $7 million, every minute we spend in the air comes at a significant cost.
More than 60% of our missions so far this year — 160 in total — have been interhospital transfers, helping move critically ill or injured patients from smaller regional hospitals to major care centres, most often in Rockhampton. For many across the region, the sound of the helicopter overhead is a familiar one — a reminder that someone nearby is receiving urgent help when they need it most.
We’ve also responded to 75 primary incidents — everything from horse falls and ATV rollovers to snake bites and farm machinery accidents.
Motor vehicle accidents continue to be a steady part of our workload too, with 10 serious crashes requiring air support already this year.
And then there are the search and rescue missions — 15 of them so far — which often involve some of our most physically demanding work. These have included coastal searches, inland winches, and a retrieval from the Pacific Encounter cruise ship. Whether it’s the trails near Mount Archer or the rugged terrain around Camboon, these jobs require quick thinking and a high level of skill.
The numbers paint a picture, but it’s the people who stay with us. Our patients this year have ranged in age from under 12 months to 92 years old — with those in their 20s making up the largest age group. It’s a reminder that this service can be needed by anyone, anywhere.
And speaking of anywhere — we’ve landed in places that even many Queenslanders might not know exist. Glenroy, Facing Island, Ogmore, Karamea Bank and Couti-Outi are just a few. (That last one, just southeast of Rockhampton, gave our dispatchers a real tongue-twister on the day.)
January and April were our busiest months so far, with 55 and 56 missions respectively. And with almost 40 tasks completed in June, winter hasn’t brought much of a slowdown.
Behind every mission is a highly trained team of pilots, aircrew officers, critical care paramedics and doctors — backed by hours of training, and by the incredible community that helps keep us flying.
We operate 24/7 at no cost to patients — something made possible by a mix of government funding, corporate partnerships and the generous support of people right across Central Queensland. We’re so grateful to everyone who backed our recent annual appeal and continues to stand behind us in so many different ways.