From the ground, Rescue300 is a familiar sight across Central Queensland. But while the helicopter may look the same as it passes overhead, what is happening inside can be very different from one task to the next.
August has already put that versatility to the test, with CapRescue responding to a range of taskings across Central Queensland, including three that required very different aircraft configurations.
This month, Rescue300 went from being prepared for a search before being retasked to a medical response, to reconfiguring for two patients and carrying out a winch retrieval from a vessel in Gladstone Anchorage.
CapRescue Check and Training Air Crewman Cam Fewtrell said the crew determined how the aircraft needed to be configured based on the task and information provided by Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ).
“Every configuration can be quite different depending on the task at hand,” Cam said.
Rescue Crew Officer Lachlan Field said the changes could include removing stretchers and non-essential medical equipment or adding and removing seats in the rear cabin.
“Reconfiguring Rescue300 can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes, depending on what needs to change,” Lachlan said.
That flexibility came into play on August 3rd, when Rescue300 had been prepared for a search operation before being retasked to Agnes Water for a patient needing immediate medical assistance.
The change meant reconsidering the balance of crew, equipment and fuel on board.
Rescue300 had been carrying full fuel for the original search task. With a doctor and additional medical equipment now required, the aircraft remained running on the ground to reduce its fuel load, and consequently its weight, before departure.
“Fuel planning is part of every configuration. Depending on the task, we can also remove non-essential equipment so we’re carrying only what is needed for that particular response,” Cam said.
On August 15th, the mission again changed mid-flight, requiring the crew to adapt.
Tasked to a patient transfer from Moura, Rescue300 had left the hangar, when information was received that a second patient also required transport. The crew made a quick return to base to reconfigure the aircraft before continuing the response.
“Rescue300 is normally configured for one stretcher, so carrying two patients means changing the usual setup,” Lachlan said.
“It’s not just about adding another stretcher — we need to consider the patients, crew, equipment and fuel on board before we can head back out.”
Sometimes the environment outside the aircraft can be the main challenge facing CapRescue.
Early on August 18th, the crew was tasked to a vessel off Gladstone when a man on board experienced chest pain.
With nowhere for Rescue300 to land, the patient was winched from the ship before being flown to Gladstone Hospital for further treatment.
“For a winch task, we need to configure the rear cabin so the crew can safely carry out the operation,” Lachlan said.
“That can mean removing seats and non-essential equipment and bringing additional gear on board, including a different stretcher, patient harness, air rescue vest and helicopter lifting strop.”
For Cam, being prepared for whatever comes next is an important part of the service CapRescue provides across the region.
“Whether it’s responding to patients in our regional communities, searching from the air or carrying out winch operations offshore, Rescue300 and the crew are ready,” Cam said.
“It’s all part of providing reliability in safety and rescue, wherever you live.”