For four decades, CareFlight has delivered lifesaving emergency care when every second counts, helping thousands of Australians survive some of life’s worst moments.
This year marks the aeromedical charity’s 40th anniversary, celebrating an organisation that transformed trauma care by bringing hospital-level treatment directly to patients.
That commitment continues to make a difference locally. In 2025 alone, crews responded to more than 70 missions across the Hills Shire and Hawkesbury, followed by another 30 missions during the first six months of 2026.
Medical Director Toby Fogg said the service’s role has always been to deliver critical care as quickly as possible.
“Over the past 40 years, CareFlight has been reaching patients, often on what has become the worst day of their lives. We help nearly 10,000 Australians every year, ensuring they have access to the very best level of healthcare, giving them the greatest chance of recovery.”
“Our dedicated crews embody our core mission and continue to innovate and save lives every day. From pioneering helicopter emergency medical services to embracing advances in aviation and clinical care, we’ve continued to evolve to meet the growing needs of patients and communities.”
Among the local lives touched by CareFlight is North Richmond girl Lily Cross, whose remarkable survival remains one of the organisation’s most inspiring stories.
After nearly drowning in the river near her home, local hero Peter Ross pulled Lily from the water and began CPR. A specialist medical team took over, intubated Lily, and continued CPR for almost 50 minutes before detecting her first heartbeat. Today, she has made a remarkable recovery.
“I’ve always supported the work CareFlight does for the community. But until it touched my family, I didn’t really understand just how amazing they are and what a difference they can make when it’s life or death,” her father Michael said.
“Please give generously to help CareFlight stay in the air. Like me, you may need them one day.”
Schofields resident Laurel Mitchell also experienced how quickly lives can change after becoming trapped in her vehicle in a head-on collision. Comforted by bus driver Allan Fleming, who was first on the scene, Laurel was treated after CareFlight reached the crash within 10 minutes, with the medical crew working alongside emergency services for 45 minutes to free and stabilise her before she was transported to hospital.
The anniversary also coincides with two significant Hawkesbury missions from 2016.
In February, CareFlight airlifted a 12-year-old boy to Westmead Children’s Hospital after he fell four metres while climbing at Yarramundi.Five months later, the rapid response helicopter attended a quad bike rollover at Sackville North, where two teenage boys received specialist treatment before being taken to Westmead Hospital.
Founded in 1986, CareFlight pioneered “flying the hospital to the patient” rather than simply transporting patients to hospital.
Founding member and retired CareFlight pilot John Hoad said:
“When CareFlight was established, helicopter rescue was largely focused on flying patients to hospital. CareFlight pioneered the approach – ‘flying the hospital to the patient’ focused on rushing critical care treatment to patients for initial stabilisation before transporting them to hospital,” he said.
“Over the past four decades, it’s been incredible to see our original vision not only continue to save lives but be built on to expand the reach of CareFlight and the number of Australians impacted.”
Today, CareFlight operates helicopters, aeroplanes, jets and road vehicles across NSW, the Northern Territory and beyond, while also providing emergency training programs.
CEO-elect Peter Broschofsky said: “Our success is built on the commitment of our people, the support of our partners and the trust that communities place in us every day. Together, we have helped save countless lives and provided critical care when time matters most.”
