It is two years since the RFDS Fortescue Heli-Med Service EC145 helicopters joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service's Western Australia fleet. In that time, just over 300 patients have been retrieved in the two helicopters, which fly within a 250 kilometre radius of Perth.

The helicopters have added versatility to the RFDS air ambulance fleet as they can land on rooftop helipads at Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children's Hospital, drastically reducing road travel time in an ambulance.

The helicopters have landed at 51 different locations, including many sporting grounds in regional towns.

Rotary fleet manager Elaine Cadzow says the rotary team is proud to play its part in the wider organisation: "We have provided critical care to over 300 patients in the last two years and will continue to provide an exceptional service to the people of Western Australia."

Fortescue Group general manager Sasha Pendal says it's an honour for the energy and metals company to support the service: "We know this service saves lives. A multi-year partnership was important to us to provide continuity for such a critical service."

Thanks to a Telethon grant, a bespoke engineering solution has recently been designed that will allow neonatal cots to be powered and secured in the helicopters, enabling the transfer of critically unwell pre-term and newborn babies.

Western Australia is the only RFDS section to utilise helicopters for patient retrievals.