The Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service commenced operations in 1979 as a company limited by guarantee with the objects of providing a emergency helicopter capability to the communities of the Sunshine Coast and the surrounding region. Commencing operations with a Bell Jetranger, the Service now operates two single pilot IFR twin engine BK117 helicopters and a Bell Longranger. The Service operates as an ambulance service under the auspices of a Deed of Agreement with the Queensland State Government and managed by Queensland Health. The Service is tasked by the Queensland, Emergency Medical Service Coordination Centre for medical and air ambulance tasks and also by the Police, Water Police and the Fire and Rescue Service for other specialist tasks. The Service was the first formed in Queensland and was the first in Australia to own and operate its aircraft. Over the past five years the Service has flown over 3500 emergency medical or rescue flights.