It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a rescue helicopter!
Photo by
Taylah Baker
The whirlybird gets the worm.
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The worm being the successful communication of water safety to St Mary’s Primary School students, while the whirlybird refers to a Westpac Rescue Helicopter organised by Life Saving Victoria.
On Tuesday, February 18, students craned their necks skyward to see the rescue helicopter land on the oval south-east of the Mooroopna school.
Out stepped Life Saving Victoria pilot Tim Alexander, crew chief Wayne Cartwright and rescue crew member Oscar Ablinger, ready to propel the message of water safety while demonstrating the realities of their emergency operations through rescue exercises.
In their line of work, protective equipment is key — and they could have used some during the rapid-fire Q&A segment.
What happens if a shark bites the person’s head off when you’re trying to rescue them?
Have you ever skydived from the helicopter?
Is there a toilet in there?
Shortly after, students could view the helicopter close-up and see the state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment used in emergencies.
To their surprise, it did not have a toilet.
St Mary’s Primary School principal Elaine Vertriest said this experience not only excited students but also sparked curiosity and inspired dreams.
“Perhaps today marks the beginning of a journey for some of our students to one day pursue careers as lifesavers, paramedics or even helicopter pilots,” she said.
News journalist Taylah Baker was behind the lens to capture the helicopter’s arrival, departure and everything in between.
The rescue helicopter hovers over the school oval.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Students waved and cheered as the helicopter was brought down to earth.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
It was all yellow for Prep student Amaya Hooker while doing a water safety demonstration with crew chief Wayne Cartwright.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Student Jai Mason performs a rescue demonstration with crew chief Wayne Cartwright.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Crew chief Wayne Cartwright and student Jai Mason really got into the swing of things during their rescue demonstration.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Rescue crew member Oscar Ablinger high-fives a potential future pilot.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Students toured the helicopter while rescue crew member Oscar Ablinger answered their questions.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Students wave goodbye to the eggbeater in the sky.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
The wingmen conduct their final checks before taking off.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
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