Asthma and the RFDS
Asthma is a common presenting problem to RFDS General Practitioners and Child Health Nurses. RFDS General Practitioners and other health professionals, in regular clinics held in remote locations, aim to help people address lifestyle issues and treat the symptoms of asthma. Our doctors will refer to specialists where required.
In the rarer cases where people require emergency evacuation to access required care RFDS will transport patients.
RFDS Emergency Services
When people think of the RFDS, whether in Australia or overseas, they imagine an RFDS aircraft, manned by emergency health personnel heading to a remote destination to retrieve a critically injured or unwell patient. This core 'Traditional Service' activity has been occurring 24/7 since the service was first established in 1928.
An emergency call is received and an assessment made as to whether the patient needs to be evacuated and flown to the nearest appropriate hospital.
Patients are treated at the scene of pick up and during the flight by trained medical and nursing staff.
Once at the destination patients are then transferred to hospital by ambulance.
RFDS can also be involved in flying patients back to their home and then following them up through regular RFDS clinic services.
Further information on RFDS Emergency Services program can be found at the following link: http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Emergency-and-Transport-Services/
It is suggested that you look particularly at Emergency/retrieval services in Western Australia where there is comprehensive information on all aspects of this RFDS work.
RFDS GP Clinics 
General practice clinics are held on a regular basis in remote locations, the frequency of visits depending on local needs. Locations range from small towns with a mixed population, to mine sites, stations and road houses, or predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The flying doctor's role includes:
- Provision of quality general medical care at remote clinic locations, including the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions and ongoing management of chronic medical problems.
- Minor surgical and screening procedures.
- Routine screening and disease prevention activities in accordance with published RACGP Standards.
- Consultation with remote area nurses and health workers in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- Liaison with Public Health Units and participation in screening and surveillance programs as requested.
- Contribution to the maintenance and review of disease registers and medical management of patients on such registers.
- Working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with other agencies and health care providers as required.
- Provision of feedback to Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia management on the adequacy of health care services, including frequency and duration of primary medical services and the nature of other health services required.
In relation to detecting and treating asthma, RFDS GPs will be alert for risk factors associated with asthma and conduct tests where appropriate. Referral to a specialist may be required.
The RFDS GPs report that asthma is found more in younger patients although sometimes it is difficult to accurately diagnose due to the presence of a cold or flu. They have reported asthma in children as a result of passive smoking and other risk factors including industrial exposure in rural areas related to chemical use.
Treatment for asthma will include a first aid approach to manage an acute presentation and then working out an ongoing management plan.
For more information on RFDS GP Clinics visit: http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/General-Practice/
RFDS Child Health programs
RFDS nurses are a valuable resource and support to families living in rural and remote Australia.
Through regular clinic visits, nurses provide a comprehensive child health service incorporating:
- routine physical assessments of children
- childhood vaccinations
- health eduction and advice to parents and carers
- referral to other health professionals
- counselling and acting as a confidant to parents and carers
- school health screening programs
- liaison and collaboration with other child health initiatives
- facilitation of projects that enhance child health services
(Note that the range of child and maternal services provided varies between different parts of Australia)
Through the course of work with children RFDS nurses will detect asthma in children, offer management advice and refer to RFDS doctors as required.
For more information on RFDS Child Health programs visit: http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Child-and-Maternal-Health/