Queensland's LifeFlight, a critical aeromedical service, is celebrating its 45th anniversary with plans for significant expansion. 

The service has long been a lifeline in the vast and sparsely populated regions of Australia, where aerial medical services are essential.

Australia's need for aerial medical services was recognised over a century ago. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), which began operations in 1928, was the first to address this need. 

In Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service was established in December 1979, driven by local tourism attraction owner Des Scanlan and philanthropist Roy Thompson. 

The service, initially launched by then-premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, evolved into LifeFlight, which has since airlifted approximately 90,000 individuals in various emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, traffic accidents, and natural disasters.

The RACQ has been LifeFlight's naming sponsor for 30 years, contributing over $50 million. 

However, that sponsorship ends on 1 July, as the Queensland government steps in with increased funding. 

The state government has committed an additional $586.1 million over ten years, towards a total of $1.2 billion. The funding will support the construction of a new base at the Sunshine Coast airport, including a visitor experience centre.

LifeFlight operates a highly trained team of critical care doctors, nurses, engineers, and crew. It is one of only two vertically integrated aeromedical rescue services in the world. 

The service also runs profit-for-purpose ventures, including aeromedical and flight training, and hires out four jet air ambulances for inter-regional patient transfers and medical repatriation.

Community fundraising remains vital for innovations beyond LifeFlight's core functions, such as new helmets, neonatal equipment, and animal rescue capsules. 

The Queensland government’s additional funding, announced as part of the 2023 State Budget, is intended to ensure the continued provision of emergency medical helicopter services across rural, regional, and remote areas. 

The funding will also support equipment upgrades and the construction of new facilities, ensuring LifeFlight remains a critical resource for Queenslanders in need.