BMA CQ Rescue Reaches 13,000th Mission Milestone

In the skies above Central Queensland, BMA CQ Rescue marked a remarkable milestone last week — completing its 13,000th mission since operations began nearly three decades ago.

The landmark flight took place just before 9.30pm on Thursday, the 7th of August, when the crew was called to Moranbah to assist a man suffering multiple cardiac issues. After being handed over by the team at Moranbah Hospital, the patient was cared for by BMA CQ Rescue’s doctor and paramedic, who worked tirelessly throughout the flight to Mackay to keep him stable.

While every mission is critical, this one not only saved a life but also underscored the 13,000 lives changed thanks to the community’s ongoing support for the vital emergency helicopter service.

It capped off an already busy week for the crew, which included a primary response to Whitsunday Island for a kayaker with breathing difficulties, a respiratory emergency near Valkyrie that saw the chopper land on a school oval, and numerous inter-hospital transfers in Collinsville, Dysart, and Bowen.

“This milestone reflects the extraordinary dedication of our crew, staff, volunteers, and supporters over nearly three decades,” said BMA CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee.

“It’s a privilege to lead a team that shows up every single day with professionalism, compassion, and purpose. Our capability has grown dramatically over the years; we can honestly say we now deliver world-class aeromedical care. But what hasn’t changed is our purpose — to be there when it matters most. That’s what the 13,000th mission means to us.”

Despite the significance of the occasion, the team had little time to pause — training and another emergency call-out came less than 12 hours later.

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BMA CQ Rescue has completed its 13,000th life-saving mission, airlifting a critically ill man from Moranbah to Mackay after nearly three decades of service in Central Queensland skies. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue

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