CAMPBELL Lindsay was playing rugby when something went horribly wrong.

The then-17 year old was tackled awkwardly and twisted his head, breaking his neck.

He was airlifted to hospital and despite being on death's door, managed to pull through. That was four years ago, but today he can stand freely without any pain and recently graduated from university.

Mr Lindsay's story of how RACQ Lifeflight helped save his life was one of many moving accounts given at service's 10th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

Residents took the chance to speak with pilots and crewman and inspect the helicopters that saved so many lives.

RACQ LifeFlight chief operating officer Brian Guthrie said the rescue group had become ingrained in the community over the past 10 years.

In the past financial year alone crews performed 551 rescues.

The rescue helicopter service covers hundreds of kilometres in every direction from Toowoomba.

Real estate developer Clive Berghofer - a major donor to the group - said LifeFlight was here to stay in Toowoomba.

Pilot Dave Hampshire urged residents, particularly farmers, to wear helmets to save lives.