The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) is one of the most revered organisations in the Hunter – and rightly so.
In fact, no-one has ever paid to utilise the WRHS since its existence, almost 50 years ago.
But, like many community-based groups, it took a major financial hit when COVID-19 impacted its fundraising capabilities in 2020.
Now, highly-respected NSW Health doctor Rob Bartolacci is heading up the WRHS’s annual End of Financial Year (EOFY) Appeal in the hope that residents can dig deep into their pockets to keep the service flying across Northern NSW.
“It takes on extra importance this time around,” the on-board Critical Care Medical Team member said.
“Due to all the difficulties the past couple of years, with the floods, bushfires and pandemic, everyone’s strapped for money.
“Charities, for example, are really hurting.
“So, it’s more significant for us than in previous years to obtain a good result – and assist the WRHS moving forward.
“I’m happy to do anything for the service.
“I am humbled to be asked to be the face of the EOFY campaign, however, at the same time, I’m the oldest one here,” he added with a laugh.
“I’ve done a bit of media in the past, so I’m delighted to help wherever I can.”
Dr Rob, as he’s affectionately known within the WRHS ranks, admits his involvement began a long, long time ago – in a peripheral way.
“Our medical services underwent a big review about 2010-12,” he said.
“Prior to 2014, the WRHS crew consisted of two paramedics, a pilot and an air crewman for pre-hospital work.
“All the in-hospital labour was done with a doctor and an ICU nurse.
“In 2014, the system changed state-wide.
“Doctors then came on board the aircraft for all jobs.
“And, that’s when I ‘officially’ started with the WRHS.
“But, I’d worked peripherally with them doing in-hospital transfers ever since the 1990s.
“So, I’ve got about 30 years’ experience in pre-hospital work.”
In the first four months of 2021, the service’s three bases at Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore have flown more than 500 missions and, on average, the WRHS registers in excess of 1500 a year, including responding to emergency Triple Zero (000) calls, inter-hospital transfers, and search and rescue.
Every day, it is proud to deliver the very best in aeromedical support for those in need 24-7.
“It’s hard to imagine a person who hasn’t been touched directly or indirectly by the WRHS,” Dr Rob said.
“What makes the service unique is it’s a community asset.
“I haven’t found that working elsewhere.
“The community feels like part of the WRHS; they feel they have ownership of it.
“And, we feel that it’s theirs as well.
“It’s not ours or anyone’s, it’s the community’s.
“Most of the people who work there do it because they love it – it isn’t just a job for them.
“So, that makes it fairly unique among our medical providers, apart from the fact it’s a world-class service.
“It boasts world-class helicopters and a world-class crew.
“Honestly, I think we’re on par, at least, with the best services in the world, which is a credit to the region.”
The Critical Care Medical Team can give an anaesthetic, provide pain relief or a lifesaving blood transfusion, support someone’s breathing or their heart… they can even re-start a heart.
Even though all this happens in major hospitals every day, the WRHS “heroes” perform it in the air.
While it was hard for Dr Rob to single out specific noteworthy incidents during his lengthy stint with the service, he said there were many that tugged at the heartstrings.
“The jobs that tend to stick in your mind are ones that usually have someone involved, which reminds you of someone in your family,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“And, it’s mostly children.
“If you go to a job involving a child, that’s similar to your own child in age, or a grandkid or if you know someone, it really hits home.
“That scenario isn’t uncommon either, because the WRHS’s a community asset.
“So, we might even know the people we’re treating.
“That’s happened to me on one occasion.
“I’ve got somewhere and didn’t actually realise who it was until we’d returned to the hospital.
“In ended up being someone I’d known years ago and hadn’t seen for a long time.
“However, it reinforces the message that even though we cover a huge area, it’s still a small community in a lot of ways, in terms of people in it.
“I’ll be here until I feel I’m a hindrance to the crew, rather than a help.
“When that day comes, I’ll hang my helmet up and toddle off into the sunset.”
The community can make donations to the service’s Appeal at www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/appeal or by FREECALL 1800 155 155.
