Rescue300 was kept busy throughout January, responding to 55 tasks across Central Queensland. These included 28 inter-hospital transfers, 21 primary missions, three search and rescue operations, and three motor vehicle accidents. The month’s operations totalled over $1.5 million in costs, all covered at no expense to the patients, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
The new year began with an urgent call to assist two patients following a motorcycle accident south of Dululu. Unfavourable weather conditions complicated the mission, but the crew successfully navigated the challenges, ensuring both patients received the care they needed. Soon after, an infant requiring emergency medical assistance on Great Keppel Island was stabilised and transported to Rockhampton Base Hospital, highlighting the importance of rapid aeromedical response.
Mid-month, a single-vehicle crash near Koonawarra saw Rescue300 airlift a woman with severe upper limb injuries, while another mission involved a cattle yard incident near Jambin, where a man in his 80s was injured when a bull struck a gate. Both patients were stabilised and transported for further treatment.
One of the most technically demanding rescues took place in Gladstone Harbour, where a man experiencing severe abdominal pain required urgent medical evacuation from a carrier. Due to the vessel’s limitations, the crew executed a hover exit and stretcher winch recovery, demonstrating the high level of skill and precision that CapRescue crews bring to every mission. This also marked a significant milestone for Rescue Crew Officer Sam McLean, who performed his first operational winch. Thanks to CapRescue’s High-Altitude sponsor Glencore, Sam had recently completed his training, ensuring he was prepared for the complex operation.
The Australia Day long weekend capped off a demanding month, with Rescue300 responding to seven missions in three days. This included a challenging 230-foot winch rescue at Rainbow Falls to retrieve a patient from rugged terrain and a double-patient transport from Facing Island after an ATV rollover.