Not even the 6.5 tonne of downwash could wipe the exuberant smiles off the faces of staff and students at Grafton Public School last week when the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter touched down in the playground on February 27.

The visit was organised through Westpac’s Schools Program, which promotes safety and education through interactive experiences with the helicopter and its crew members.

Students from Grafton Infants School also attended the event, with many crying out excitedly as the helicopter approached.

Zeke Huish from the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service said it was priceless seeing the expressions on the faces of students as the helicopter circled the school before executing its landing.

“We’re very fortunate to have the support of Westpac so we can make events like this one possible,” he said.

“It was very exciting for the kids.

“They loved looking at the helicopter up close and seeing what’s inside.”

While they had to be prepared to leave at any moment if they were tasked, crew members Dan Guilliaumier (pilot), Mick Kerry (air crewman), Aaron Davidson (critical care paramedic), and Dr Brett Shaw (medical practitioner), enjoyed meeting and speaking with the students, who had a variety of questions to ask them including:

Q: How fast does the helicopter go?

A: The helicopter normally flies at a speed of 140 knots, which is between 280-300km/h.

Q: What type of helicopter is used in rescues?

A: An Augusta Westland 139. It’s a very popular helicopter for this type of work.

Q: How many rescues are performed each year?

A: Between 400 and 450.

Q: What is the most challenging rescue you have done?

A: All crewmembers have a different answer to that question because we all have our own roles during a rescue. The pilot may reference a rescue where they encountered difficult flying conditions, and the paramedic may have to use lots of equipment and precision to stabilise a patient in a serious condition.

Branch Manager of the Grafton Westpac Bank Amanda Verhagen said Westpac is proud to continue to support the rescue helicopter service, as it has for the past 47 years, and help educate young people about emergency services in their local community. 

“The interactive session was great fun as students watched the helicopter land at their school and asked the crew and pilot specific questions about flying, emergency responses and rescues,” she said. 

Students also presented a cheque for $1059 to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter crew prior to their departure, which they raised from out-of-school-uniform days.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 8 March 2023.