'It's in our DNA to just go out and rescue people': Westpac chopper celebrates 50 years of rescues

Whether sea or road accidents, floods or fires, we can always rely on the Westpac rescue chopper to come to our aid.

Friday marks this incredible service helping Australians for 50 years.

"We've gone from very humble beginnings in 1973 with one helicopter to 15 helicopters around the country and one offshore rescue boat," General Manager Coastal Safety Shane Daw said.

"It's in our DNA to just go out and rescue people," pilot Jon Klopper said.

Hear how the service and its team have been changing the lives of those rescued in the video player above.