It was the first time the chopper had been called to the Ridge since its inception in 2000.

The helicopter retrieved a 53-year old man from Lightning Ridge Hospital and flew him to Tamworth Base Hospital on Saturday.

The man had a head injury but was in a stable condition.

Barry Walton from Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service said the retrieval showed the range of the service.

"I guess in a way people don't think the helicopter will go out there, but it proves to them now that we do," he said.

"The protocol is conducted through the medical retrieval unit based in Sydney, and while we're based in Tamworth our region takes in the north west.

"We've been to Mungindi a couple of times, we've been to Walgett, Warialda, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, so we've been out your way a fair bit, but it's the first time we've been out to Lightning Ridge.

"In normal circumstances the air ambulance or the Royal Flying Doctor Service is used, but if they're not available and there is a clinical requirement that the patient needs urgent transportation,they'll call the helicopter."