This is an extract and a link to the “official rule bending guide” for Australian mercy flights. You will need acrobat to read the attached link. [AC 91-170(0)]
4. DEFINITION Mercy flight means a flight which will involve contravening one or more of these regulations, made for the purpose of relieving a person from grave and imminent danger arising out of an urgent medical, flood, fire relief or similar situation, at a time where
failure to make the flight is likely to result in serious or permanent disability or loss of life.
9. WHO CAN DECLARE A MERCY FLIGHT Any relevant person in authority such as a doctor, police officer, fire fighting commander, rescue coordinator etc. may request the use of an aircraft for an emergency purpose, but only the pilot in command can declare a mercy flight.
AC 91-170(0) Aust.