The operational planning of our flight crews’ training requirements, active missions and aircraft maintenance programs is all managed through our Communications, Coordination and Control Centre, otherwise known as C3.
From emergency response to inter-facility transfers, the highly skilled staff in LifeFlight’s C3 ensure patients across Queensland, Australia, and the world receive the urgent aeromedical care they need.
They are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, and help us deliver on our mission every single day – saving lives, no matter when or where you are. This week, we caught up with Tyson Smith, our Air Ambulance Operations Manager, for a quick chat.
LifeFlight Australia (LFA): Firstly, can you tell us who you are and what you do here at LifeFlight?
My name is Tyson Smith, and I am the Air Ambulance Operations Manager here at LifeFlight Australia. That means I work in C3 and in my day, I assess missions for our jets, help lead the day of operations, figure out logistics, liaise with our chief pilots & their crews to make sure they’re okay and have everything they need as well as the non-glamourous admin duties.
LFA: How long have you been at LifeFlight Australia?
Unbelievably, it’s been nearly 11 years!
LFA: What’s your favourite part of working at LifeFlight?
Every day, I work with people from so many different backgrounds with one thing in common – we all have a passion for helping people. From those on the front line to those in Head Office, everyone does their bit to help keep our aircraft in the air!
LFA: What do you love about your role?
In my almost 11 years, I’ve been a Base Manager, Helicopter Aircrewman, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) Instructor and Aviation Operations Coordinator. In this role now, I get to build really unique relationships with people in domestic and international government agencies and help our jet crews retrieve people impacted by events across the globe, including numerous COVID missions. Our amazing frontline team also completed a highly complex dual patient uplift during the Whakaari (White Island) volcanic event in Aotearoa New Zealand.
LFA: What is your strongest influence?
Life is way too short and unpredictable – do what makes you happy and fulfilled!
LFA: What energises you at work?
Coffee! But also knowing that what I do helps people in need.
LFA: Where would we find you outside of work?
On the golf course. Any course by the coast is a winner.
LFA: What’s one superpower you would want to have?
It has to be the ability to teleport!
LFA: Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t absorb negativity. It makes your decisions biased and really affects your mind.
LFA: What can’t you live without?
My phone. And technology.
Thank you, Tyson! We couldn’t do what we do every day without our team. If you’d like to give to LifeFlight to keep our crews in the air, please click here.
