The Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT has attained world-class credentials for the first time, earning a coveted stamp of approval from the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI).
Following a forensic external audit over the past year, RFDS SA/NT exceeded all requirements to secure EURAMI Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance accreditation with endorsements in Critical Care Transport, Mental Health Transport, Paediatric Critical Care Transport and Neonatal Critical Care Transport.
It is one of two Australian organisations currently holding a EURAMI accreditation. EURAMI is the leading authority in aeromedical accreditation, setting the global benchmark for excellence, quality and safety.
“To not only meet but to exceed all international aeromedical standards is an extraordinary outcome and a ‘gold star’ effort for our people,” RFDS SA/NT Chief Executive Tony Vaughan ASM said.
“The RFDS has developed and proposed new Medical Transport Standards to be used across Australia and RFDS SA/NT is the first to formally adopt these.
“These standards encompass not only operational and clinical safety requirements, but they support service efficiencies and our engagement with both patients and funders to promote continuous improvement.
“It was to these new standards that we engaged EURAMI to independently validate our operations against the leading aeromedical organisations in the world.
“These essential foundations benefit our regional and remote patients across South Australia and the Northern Territory, as well as support our work with service delivery partners.”
In its report, EURAMI auditors said the clinical endorsements “highlight(ed) the RFDS SA/NT’s versatility and expertise in handling a wide range of medical emergencies that may require transport over vast, often terrains”.
“The team at RFDS SA/NT has shown exceptional dedication to ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the EURAMI standards. The RFDS does not just provide emergency transport but ensures that patients receive personalised, compassionate care throughout the process.”
RFDS SA/NT delivers almost 50,000 episodes of care every year, including airlifting more than 10,500 patients with RFDS crews and also in partnership with SA Health’s SA Ambulance Service and NT Health’s Medical Retrieval and Consultation Centre (MRaCC).
Mr Vaughan said the accreditation was a demonstration of the Flying Doctor’s commitment to patient-centred care, its trusted track record and its position of trust for patients.
Our regional and remote communities have always trusted in the Flying Doctor to deliver the finest care to the furthest corner – now, patients can also be assured of a world-class standard of care when they fly with us.
Tony Vaughan ASMLearn more about the Flying Doctor.
