Helicopter crews who plucked dozens of people from roofs, cars and trees after the "inland tsunami" struck Grantham in southeast Queensland have been recognised with an international "Rescue of the Year" award.

The award was announced at a helicopter rescue conference in Orlando, Florida.

Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) helicopter crews saved 43 lives as they operated in foul weather after the torrent swept down the Lockyer Valley on January 10, sweeping all before it.

Those who manned EMQ Rescue 500 and Rescue 510 edged out other rescuers from around the world, including helicopter crews who went in under fire to evacuate the wounded in Afghanistan.

EMQ pilot Peter Row, who is at the conference, said he was totally surprised at the award.