AMBULATING down Petrie Plaza this morning I was struck by the enormous billboard the Westpac branch has created hailing the service of their sponsored rescue helicopter service.

This prompted me to wonder if they supported the Canberra region’s Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter.

I put the question to the service’s Chris Kimball who, it transpired, had quite a lot to say on the subject.

No they don’t. They sponsor Hunter Westpac choppers and the lifesaver chopper that operates out of Moruya for limited periods each year.

It’s worth noting Snowy Hydro SouthCare is the primary aero-medical and rescue chopper for the South Coast from Ulladulla down to the Vic border. As well as the ACT, Riverina and Snowy Mountains.

We did 180 missions to the South Coast last year from medical traumas and road accidents through to emergency patient transfers and search and rescues.

We have an emergency medical specialist doctor on board plus a flight paramedic. We are fully equipped for intensive care treatment as well as rescue.

The Westpac chopper at Moruya has volunteer lifesavers on board which is incredibly admirable and we have great respect for their support, however if you need emergency medical assistance and transport we are the primary service that provides it.

Important distinction to make.