Emergency and Transport Services - Queensland Section
Primary Response
In Queensland Section a primary response involves the RFDS responding to a tasking from RSQ to facilitate the safe medical evacuation of an ill or injured patient. Primary responses occur when immediate first line treatment may not be available at the location of the patient. The RFDS provides appropriate treatment upon arrival at the destination. Isolated properties, remote health clinics or the scene of an accident are examples of this type of service.
Inter-hospital Transfer
RFDS Queensland Section conducts over 10,000 patient transports (including primary response and inter-hospital transfers) per year to definitive hospital and/or specialist care. At all bases, except Longreach, aircraft are available to respond to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Aircraft are staffed with a pilot, flight nurse and medical officer (if required). In Cairns, Charleville and Mount Isa bases, clinical co-ordination is carried out by the on-call RFDS medical officer who also attends flights when a medical officer is required. In Brisbane, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Townsville, clinical co-ordination on flights is provided by doctors within the RSQ and staffed for attendance on medical flights by the RFDS.
Aircraft
Beechcraft Super King Air B200s and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft are utilised for retrieval work within Queensland. All aircraft are pressurised and configured to resemble mini intensive care units. The innovative Lifeport system, which incorporates oxygen, suction and power outlets is also fitted in each retrieval aircraft and acts as a stretcher loading system that is fully compatible with road ambulance systems.