CQ Rescue Helicopter Service - Your Lifeline when you need it most

The essential purpose of CQ RESCUE is to reduce loss of life, to reduce the likelihood of permanent neurological or physical impairment as an outcome of acute illness or severe trauma, and to reduce the number of days which emergency patients need to spend in hospital.

4MK is very proud to be a media partner of CQ Rescue, moreover, 4MK will endeavour to promote CQ Rescue as a preferred choice of donation for all people within the greater listening area of 4MK 1026AM. If you are considering a weekly donation from your pay - even $1 per week is assisting in keeping the CQ Rescue Chopper in the air.

The Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ RESCUE) plays a vital role in the community by providing rapid medical assistance to those in need in the hope of reducing the likelihood of permanent impairment. The prompt medical assistance offered by RACQ - CQ RESCUE is designed to lessen the prolonged effect of trauma our patients suffer as a result of illness and injury.

CQ RESCUE was established in 1994 when a group of people decided there was a need for a Mackay based helicopter rescue service.

The first mission flown by the crew of CQ RESCUE was to Hayman Island on 1st September 1996. Since this time, the CQ RESCUE team has flown well over 3,500 missions.

Air crewmen and pilots are on-call 24 hours a day to attend to tasks usually within a 300km radius from Mackay. This area extends north to Bowen and south to St Lawrence and includes the majority of the mining towns in the Bowen Basin as well as the Whitsunday Islands. A doctor and intensive care paramedic are also assigned to CQ RESCUE and generally make up a crew of four on each mission.

Annual operational costs are approximately $4.5million. The annual operational figure fluctuates according to the level of tasking.

Major sponsors provide magnificent contributions to our service. These sponsors include RACQ, BMA (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance), CFMEU, Department of Emergency Services, G & S Engineering, Isaac Plains Coal, Isaac Regional Council, Leighton Contractors, Mackay Regional Council, McDonalds (Mackay & Airlie Beach), Rio Tinto, Sedgman Ltd, Thiess and XStrata - Newlands Coal. Major supporters include Mackay Port Authority and Whitsunday Regional Council.

The balance of funding is contributed through financial support from our generous community during our annual appeals, payroll contributions, the Rescue 100 Club’s business donations and fundraising events.

CQ RESCUE is an Australian Public Company and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Donations of $2 or more per annum are Tax Deductible.

www.cqrescu.com.au