November became the busiest month of the year for CapRescue, with Rescue300 tasked 58 times across Central Queensland — surpassing the previous high of 55 in January. The month highlighted just how varied and demanding our region can be, with missions ranging from medical transfers and search operations to primary responses in remote locations.
Early in the month, the crew managed three tasks in a single Sunday, including an inter-facility transfer to Bundaberg for a young boy experiencing post-surgery complications, a transport from the Rockhampton Correctional Facility, and a call to Mungabunda for a man who had fallen from a cattle truck, sustaining a suspected compound leg fracture.
On November 9th, CapRescue joined the search for a woman missing near Zilzie. With temperatures rising and rain building, concerns grew for her wellbeing. She was later found safe and well, with many in the community recognising the comfort that comes from hearing Rescue300 overhead when a loved one needs help.
A few days later, Rescue300 reached Masthead Island after reports of a man experiencing difficulties while swimming. The moment captured by the crew showed how a simple wave signalled that help had arrived.
On 18 November, the helicopter responded to two separate requests for assistance — a detailed search west of Douglas Shoal after reports of flares, and a difficult-to-reach light aircraft incident where the pilot fortunately did not require further medical care. Some days, reassurance is just as important as treatment.
Mid-month, CapRescue recognised the first responders who attended a serious truck collision near Canoona. Emergency services were already on scene working under difficult conditions, providing vital support before the helicopter arrived. A man in his 20s was transported by Rescue300 to receive immediate advanced care.
The weekend of November 22nd–23rd brought several significant taskings, including a diverted flight to assist a motorbike rider near Lowmead, a dual-stretcher response to a two-vehicle crash near Dingo, and the transport of a man involved in a light aircraft crash who required further specialist care in Brisbane. The crew also attended a primary response in Yeppoon for a man in his 60s found unconscious in a pool.
The final week of the month continued at pace. CapRescue responded to an active EPIRB near Turkey Beach, completed a Priority 1 inter-hospital transfer from Biloela, and carried out a careful early-morning retrieval from Pumpkin Island. Another call on November 26th saw the team assisting a man injured in a single-vehicle crash at Eidsvold West while his wife was transported separately by another rescue service.
November ended with three inter-hospital transfers and a primary mission across the 29th and 30th, including two medical transports from Blackwater and a response to a possible winch rescue at Round Hill Lookout near Gladstone.
Across every task, Rescue300 continued to provide professional care to people throughout Central Queensland — from rural communities to remote islands — ensuring help reached those who needed it most.