They are a very select group of people, whose day started out just like any other, only to take a turn that would remain etched in their minds forever.

People who have been assisted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service across Northern NSW are invited to a special base visit and morning tea on Sunday November 3, between 10am-11.30am. The event is conducted to reunite people with Pilots, Air Crew, NSW Ambulance Paramedics and the Helicopter’s Critical Care Medical Team who played a crucial role in their respective rescues.

People known as Rescue Club Members will have the opportunity to meet staff, tour the base facilities and inspect the helicopters at the Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore bases in early November.

The Service is largely unaware of the identity of those transported, as patient information is privately held by NSW Health.

Service Chief Executive Officer, Richard Jones OAM, said that the event on November 3 provided people who have been assisted by the Rescue Helicopter with the opportunity to better understand how the vital service operates as part of the State’s emergency care chain.

“For many people, meeting and talking with Service staff, crew and pilots also helps them in the recovery process. For others, it’s a way of connecting with people who have been in similar situations,” Mr Jones said.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is a community based free of charge rescue helicopter service established in 1982 and based in Lismore. The Service supports the region from Tweed Heads in the north, south to Nambucca Heads/Macksville and west to Tenterfield and Glen Innes, and beyond the coastline and is part of a larger organisation which has Westpac Rescue Helicopter bases in Newcastle and Tamworth, collectively performing approximately 1,500 missions each year.

People who have been assisted by the Service and are interested in attending any of the bases should register by calling 1800 155 155 or by emailing rescueclub@rescuehelicopter.com.au