When serious accidents or medical emergencies happen in regional and remote Central Queensland, help can be a long way away. Distance, difficult terrain and limited access to major hospitals mean that time is often critical, and specialist care can be the difference between life and death.
CapRescue provides a 24-hour rescue helicopter service across the Capricorn region, responding to medical emergencies, accidents and search and rescue callouts across a vast geographic area. From remote properties to coastal communities, the service plays a vital role in reaching people who cannot be accessed quickly by road.
For many communities across Central Queensland, CapRescue is a critical part of the emergency response network, ensuring patients can receive urgent care and rapid transport when it matters most.
For more than 12 years, Glencore Coal has worked alongside CapRescue to support the ongoing readiness of the service. Through an investment of more than $1.5M, Glencore Coal has helped support training and preparedness, ensuring crews are ready to respond safely and effectively across the region.
CapRescue helicopter on scene at a rural accident.
Darren Pirie, Chief Executive Officer of CapRescue said reliable support is essential to maintaining a service that operates around the clock.
“Our crews are on call every day of the year, often travelling long distances to reach people in need. Support like this helps ensure we can maintain our aircraft, train our crews and continue providing this lifesaving service to the community.”
Ready when it matters most
CapRescue operates in some of the most challenging conditions in Queensland, responding to incidents that range from medical emergencies to workplace accidents and remote rescues. Ongoing training and operational preparedness are central to ensuring crews can respond safely, no matter the location or circumstances.
Tracey Snedden, Glencore Coal Community Relations Coordinator, said the partnership reflects the importance of strong emergency services in regional areas.
“In regional communities, emergency response can’t be taken for granted. Supporting CapRescue helps ensure a service is there when people need it most, whether that’s for our workforce or for our wider community.”
CapRescue crew training with the Yeppoon Coast Guard.
A service communities rely on
For communities across Central Queensland, CapRescue provides reassurance that specialist help is available, even in the most remote locations. The service’s presence strengthens regional safety and supports families, workers and visitors who rely on rapid emergency response.
Through continued local support, CapRescue remains ready and available to the communities it serves, helping ensure critical care can reach people quickly, wherever they live.