The Maranoa community stepped behind the scenes of LifeFlight’s Roma operation, on Friday, as the aeromedical service opened the doors of its Roma Hangar for its free community event, Chomp with the Chopper. The free community event welcomed visitors of all ages to experience the world of aeromedical rescue up close. LifeFlight welcomed visitors into the Roma Hangar and LifeFlight Roma Visitor Experience Centre, giving locals the chance to get up close to LifeFlight’s helicopters and gain firsthand insight into the lifesaving work LifeFlight crews perform every day. Visitors enjoyed delicious LifeFlight cookies while learning about snakebite safety, before spending the afternoon on the Roma Base lawn enjoying ice creams and lawn games.
Lisa Bertolotti, LifeFlight’s Roma Community Engagement Coordinator, said the Roma Community continues to be incredibly supportive of LifeFlight.
“Chomp with the Chopper was a special opportunity for us to open our base and thank our community for its ongoing support,” Ms Bertolotti said.
“It was also a great opportunity for families to learn more about the important role LifeFlight plays across South West Queensland, particularly given the vast distances people in our region often need to travel to access medical care.
“The Roma Visitor Experience Centre not only provides a wonderful insight into just how important LifeFlight is to communities across South West Queensland, it is also a fantastic school holiday activity and a must-see stop for travellers passing through Roma.”
At the LifeFlight Roma Visitor Experience Centre, which is open seven days a week and free for all ages, visitors have the opportunity to jump aboard the interactive helicopter simulator and embark on their own rescue mission, gaining a glimpse into the lifesaving work of LifeFlight crews.
A highlight of the Centre is the viewing window overlooking the hangar, where visitors can watch helicopters being prepared for flight, engineers carrying out maintenance and crews responding when an emergency mission is activated. When a helicopter is called to a mission, visitors have the unique opportunity to watch the LifeFlight crew mobilise and see the aircraft prepare to depart.
Visitors can also learn about First Minutes Matter, LifeFlight’s free emergency trauma training program designed to give community members the skills and confidence to act in the crucial first minutes of a medical emergency before emergency services arrive.
The LifeFlight Roma Visitor Experience Centre is open from 9am – 5pm seven days a week and offers a free and interactive insight into the aeromedical industry.
