One helps from the sea and the other from the sky, but both share the same passion for serving their community.
During a recent multi-agency rescue, the dynamic duo worked together to help two passengers, Joan and Guy, to safety after their yacht broke down 25 nautical miles off Burnett Heads.
The 15-metre vessel had its sails twisted and a damaged engine.
More concerningly, Guy was suffering from a medical episode and required urgent medical care.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) flight critical care paramedic Andrew Hoffmann works onboard the Bundaberg-based LifeFlight helicopter and was part of the crew tasked to the rescue by Retrieval Services Queensland.
He’s worked with LifeFlight since 2024 and has already clocked up nearly 150 flight hours serving the Wide Bay-Burnett region and beyond.
While his son helped from above, Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) Bundaberg unit operations coordinator and senior coxswain Erwin Hoffmann (APM) and his team set out to assist from the sea.
Erwin has worked in MRQ for 18 years and his roots with LifeFlight go back to the 70s, assisting with search and rescue operations as a police officer onboard the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service (SCHRS).
He also served the Bundaberg community for 40 years with Queensland Police Service, 20 of those as the officer in charge, before retiring.
Erwin said the speed of a LifeFlight helicopter is a blessing in water rescues, as it can get to people fast in time-critical situations.
“It was quite a distance for us to go out because we’re doing the best speed we can at sea,” Erwin said.
“I can’t speak highly enough of LifeFlight. It’s definitely needed.
“We have a great relationship with other emergency services. We all share the same goal of helping people.”
Andrew shared a similar sentiment and said MRQ play a vital role in water-based search and rescue missions.
“Not only do they escort people back to shore, but they also tow their beloved vessels back. It’s something a helicopter can’t do,” he said.
In the most recent multi-agency response, LifeFlight rescue crew officer Daniel Finter was winched into the water to retrieve Guy.
“When I got down into the water, it was very loud from the helicopter and we couldn’t say a lot, but the look of relief on his face said it all,” Daniel said.
“He was pretty happy when I hooked the rescue strop around him.”
Andrew assessed the patient in flight and administered pain relief to make the journey to Bundaberg Hospital more comfortable.
Guy said the crew on board were nothing but helpful and kind.
“They were lovely people and they warmed me up with a blanket, asked me questions and kept chatting to me,” he said.
“Before I knew it, I was flying over Bundaberg and then they said we’d be at Bundy Hospital in five minutes.”
While Guy received medical treatment, Joan stayed with the vessel until MRQ Bundaberg arrived.
“The other passenger onboard was very appreciative when we turned up. Our boat is yellow, and when they see it come over the horizon their worries just seem to go,” Erwin said.
“She couldn’t get the sail down and the yacht was still moving. We drove up beside her and one of our experienced crew transferred over to her vessel. We then towed them home.”
Joan said the caring treatment she received from the MRQ Bundaberg crew was something she wouldn’t forget.
“They were absolutely amazing and just so professional and wonderful. The sea can be unforgiving and unpredictable and it’s comforting to know they’re there if you need them,” she said.
While their professional paths don’t cross often, Andrew and Erwin both enjoy some father son banter when they do.
“I feel a sense of pride when the helicopter flies over the boat, but I know he’s going to be home having dinner probably three or four hours before me,” Erwin said.
Andrew said he was proud to share his commitment to helping people with his dad.
“It definitely makes me proud that we are both so passionate about helping the community and between us, have been doing it for over half a century,” he said.
