Graphic: Mt Isa Plane RFDS
New Year’s Eve is traditionally a time for people to let their hair down and celebrate with family and friends -- and this year that is something we all look forward to.
The Flying Doctor urges Australians to be mindful and celebrate safely. While no one expects illness or injury the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is typically kept busy over New Year.
Last year over the three days of New Year’s (31 Dec-2 Jan) the RFDS brought care to 274 people across Australia.
Of these, 44 patients needed emergency medical assistance for serious accidents and injuries, a further 49 for heart attack or stroke, and an additional 30 for digestive/stomach troubles.
27% of those cared for over the New Year’s period of 2021 were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
In addition to the vast distances our ground health services travel, RFDS crews made 220 flights, covered 205,702 kilometers, and spent 616 hours in the air.
This year both in the air and on the ground, RFDS pilots, doctors and nurses will be available 24/7 across the 7.69 million square kilometers of this large continent, to ensure people get the help they need. We don’t want to have to check you into a flight if it could have been prevented.
Celebrate safely and take a well-earned break this New Year’s.
The RFDS want to thank all Australians for their ongoing support and trust, which enables us to continue the work we do – and urge everyone to stay safe and take care this holiday period.
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