WHILE Warwick paramedic Paul Ryan has had his feet planted on the ground for a number of years he is well aware of the role the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter plays in saving people's lives.

Mr Ryan worked as a paramedic on board a Westpac rescue helicopter for three years.

"We went to everything and anything," Mr Ryan said.

"From search and rescue, road accidents, farm accidents and mining accidents.

"We also transported babies from country hospitals to bigger hospitals and critically ill patients to bigger hospitals."

Getting the life saving birds up in the air is not a cheap exercise.

"It costs $2500 an hour to fuel the helicopter," Mr Ryan said.

"Last year the chopper transported 14,000 patients; a third of them were from the Darling Downs."

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter can travel from Warwick to Brisbane in just 30 minutes, a great deal shorter than the two-hour drive.

"Time is critical in most cases and the helicopter gets expert medical help to the patient quickly," Mr Ryan said.

Westpac has helped keep the rescue chopper in the air for 40 years and over time has gone from having one base in Sydney to 13 bases across the nation.

Warwick Westpac bank manager Bevan Henningsen said it was a partnership of which he was proud to be a part.

To help keep the lifesaving helicopter in the air the Warwick Westpac branch are taking in-store donations for the helicopter for the next week.

"So if people wish to donate they are welcome to come on in," Mr Henningsen said.

"Every little bit helps."

Those wanting to donate but unable to make it to the branch are able to donate online at westpackrescue.com.au.