CPOA now a lifesaver

Martin ‘Dexta’ Burton in Wespac Lifesaver Three. Photo by ABPH Bill Louys

By Graham Davis

Ex-Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman Martin “Dexta” Burton has done his “20” and now mans Westpac Lifesaver Three, the rescue helicopter based in Wollongong.

He knows where he got the skills to do his present demanding and often risky job...his years attached to 817 Squadron, the RAN’s Sea King squadron.

So, when a young person phones inquiring about becoming a civilian helicopter rescue crew member, Dexta suggests,

“join the armed services first and get some experience.”

Dexta is one of at least seven former Defence pilots or crewmen who now work with the police or rescue helicopter services in NSW and the ACT.

Dexta began his RAN career as a 17-year-old recruit at Leeuwin. He specialised in helicopters and was attached to 817 Squadron.

He spent time in Tobruk, Stalwart and Success as well as a stint with 723 SQN (Squirrels).

A few years ago he offered himself as a casual crewman on Westpac Lifesaver Three, a Bolko rescue helicopter based at Coniston, Wollongong.

The aircraft’s “beat” is nominally from Stanwell Park in the north to Ulladulla in the south and west to Bowral and Mittagong.

“However, if we are called we will go anywhere. We’ve even been down to near Melbourne,” Dexta told Navy News.
“We average a call per day,” he said.

When the aircraft is responded it lifts off with a crew of four, a pilot, two crewmen and an ambulance paramedic.
One crewman, usually Dexta, operates the aircraft’s winch while the second crewman and the paramedic descend to the patient.

Recently the aircraft was fitted with a cargo hook allowing it to carry a water bombing bucket.

Westpac Lifesaver Three is just one of a number of helicopter rescue services dotting NSW.

Others are at Westmead, Newcastle, Lismore, Dubbo, Tamworth and Canberra.

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