In Focus - Medical Chests
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Medical Chest program has been the mainstay of RFDS remote practice almost since its inception. The first RFDS Medical Chest was distributed in 1942 and will celebrate its 70th birthday in 2012 - still providing a much needed and valuable service to people living in remote areas.
An old medical chest contents list
What is a Medical Chest?
In 1939, Dr Keith Sweetman identified that a lot of radio time was being wasted by questioning the outposts as to what was available in their first aid kits. The majority had haphazard collections of patient medicines, "a first aid set augmented by this and that."
In 1942, the annual RFDS Federal Council meeting decided on standardisation of medicine chests and the first chests were distributed.
Now RFDS medical chests contain a range of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical items, to treat sick or injured people, where access to medicines or first-aid items could otherwise be several hours travel away.
Access to the Medical Chest, in conjunction with 24-hour telehealth support saves lives and relieves severe pain while a patient waits for the RFDS Emergency Retrieval Team, if evacuation is required.
Where are Medical Chests located?
In 2011 there are over 2,500 RFDS Medical Chests; which are located in many locations including: isolated communities, stations, roadhouses, national parks, tourist resorts, ships, mining and resource exploration teams. The Medical Chest Program is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing and managed by the RFDS operational sections of: