The trust released its annual report for the year ending June 30, which showed it carried 1883 passengers on board in need of help throughout the South.
This was an increase of 17 from last year, when it carried 1866 passengers on board.
The number included missions for accidents, medical emergencies, hospital transfers and search and rescue operations.
The report said mission numbers confirmed the significant uplift in demand over the past five to 10 years had been maintained.
Community donations to the trust totalled $1,090,402 and bequests were $182,082.
Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service trustee Stephen Woodhead said in a statement the teams brought life-saving care to patients across the lower South Island 24/7, 365 days of the year.
"Our community is generous with its donations and bequests and these gifts really make a difference in supporting the critical Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service across our region.
"We are very grateful for the funding support provided," he said.
The largest donor to the trust was the Otago Regional Council, which donated $350,000.
The Westpac Chopper appeal donated $137,070 and the Clinton Lions Club donated $50,000.
Chairman Martin Dippie, speaking on behalf of trustees, thanked the many community groups across Otago and Southland for the effort they put in to raise money for the service.
"We also extend our sincere thanks for the financial gifts provided by individual donors."
The donations helped fund four ultrasound machines, replaced the rapid response vehicle at the Taieri base, and would go towards a new webcam in Alexandra to monitor weather conditions.
Further instrument flight rules routes — which make it easier for pilots to fly at night and in difficult conditions — were developed across the region, with new routes to Haast, Milford Sound and Wānaka.
Donations also helped fund a new helipad in Owaka.
ORC chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said the trust provided an important service that "unquestionably saves lives every year".
"The hundreds of patients cared for over the past year reinforces how valuable this service is for the people of Otago.
"I want to thank the trust, pilots and emergency response staff, who play an important role in saving lives and helping our communities every day."
