RFDS Role
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 Health Promotion programs – Central Operations
The RFDS Healthy Living Program aims to reduce chronic heart disease in Outback SA.
The Vision of the Healthy Living Program is Outback Folks: happy, fit ‘n’ healthy. Unfortunately population data indicate that those living in remote areas have a shorter life expectancy than those living in urban areas and Aboriginal people in remote areas have a significantly shorter life expectancy than urban Australians. The Healthy Living Program aims to address this discrepancy by reducing the incidence of lifestyle related chronic diseases by increasing physical activity and improved dietary intake of remote South Australians.
Read about fitness coaching in the program here.
Here you can find out how RFDS provides information to people in the outback through the Healthy Living Program.
Read about our ambassadors here and our funding from the Li Ka Shing Foundation here.
RFDS Health Promotion programs - Queensland
"Field Days” were developed as part of a move to provide a more comprehensive primary health care service with a focus on prevention and promotion. They involve a morning session devoted to health education, information sharing, practical demonstrations and skill development followed by an afternoon clinic where community members can access a medical officer or child health nurse.
Since 2001, RFDS field days have been held at rural and remote cattle stations, road houses, national parks and island resorts across north Queensland. RFDS staff and local communities work together in scheduling field day locations and identifying health topics of interest.
Information on heart attacks is frequently requested by field day participants. This is not surprising given coronary heart disease is the leading single cause of death in Australia. So many individuals have been affected – personally, or via family, friends and neighbours.
A series of topics has been developed and is offered at field days. Signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease and heart attack are discussed and CPR demonstration and practice is undertaken. Participants are reminded, however, of the reality that less than 10% of people will be successfully revived, particularly in remote regions where professional help may be several hours away.
Our ongoing focus is on prevention by incorporating lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Changes to diet, exercise patterns, cessation of smoking, and reduction of alcohol are highlighted, with participants encouraged to discuss realistic strategies to incorporate these changes into their lifestyles.
Follow-up sessions with dieticians, fitness trainers, mental health professionals and the like, are organised with interested communities to help support and encourage ongoing healthy lifestyles. Clinical backup is also offered by our RFDS medical team.
Feedback from field day participants has reinforced the value of supporting people living in rural and remote communities to have access to up-to-date practical information and strategies for a healthy heart.
For more details contact the field day coordinator at the RFDS Cairns base on (07) 40 400 444.
For more information on RFDS Health promotion programs visit:
Queensland Section
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/HP-QLD/
Central Operations
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/HP-CO/