Top training funded for aero-medical rescue service.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania (WRHT) has provided more than $50,000 to fund high level training for the State’s helicopter rescue and medical retrieval service.

The Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) for all aircrew is a safety requirement of Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and must be undertaken every three years.

WRHT funds the training for all Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service crewmembers and the training is critical should escape be necessary on or underwater.

In the latest round of training involved nine police officers, 12 Ambulance Tasmania flight paramedics and retrieval specialists and seven Rotor-Lift pilots. The full cost was just over $54,000.

The HUET Training is the highest standard available in Australia and is world leading. It included the use of high-definition flight simulation and life rafts and is considered essential to maintain the operational safety and efficiency of Tasmania’s helicopter rescue service.

As a result, the safety of the aircrew and people rescued is significantly enhanced.

The Tasmanian Government funds Westpac Rescue Helicopter missions through the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management and Ambulance Tasmania.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania raises funds with support from Westpac, other sponsors, community donations and benefactors to assist in enhancing the service, securing specialist search and rescue equipment and training.

The funding of this highest-standard training is an important example of the valuable support provided through WRHT’s sponsorship and community fundraising activities.