Graphic: Staff
David Stanley is a pilot for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
How did you first learn about the RFDS?
“In the mid 90’s I became aware of the RFDS and was attracted to the variety in daily work. Aeromedical flying was different from anything I had done before.”
What do you find the most challenging working at the RFDS?
“The different weather patterns take some adjustment, the summer heat, cold winter, dust storms, wind and turbulence. I always try my best to give our patients a comfortable and fast flight for medical treatment.”
What do you like the most about working at the RFDS?
“First and foremost, the staff are my family. They are very supportive.” What have you gained from working at the RFDS? “I’ve certainly gained a new appreciation for health and well-being.”
What is your proudest moment at the RFDS?
“I had the honour of flying a dying 5-year-old girl home to be with her only family. She had lost both of her parents and her brother to the same disease she was suffering. Her grandparents were waiting at home for her. She wanted to listen to air traffic control and see her last sunset. Her wish was granted, and she had the biggest smile on her beautiful face. She passed away the next day.”
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
“I enjoy travel, keeping fit, delicious coffee and giving in to my sweet tooth from time to time.”
Dr Peter Brendt is the Team Leader of Emergency Services and is based in Dubbo. Peter manages RFDS Retrieval Doctors and Flight Nurses.
Before working at the RFDS, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
“It was always my dream to be a retrieval doctor, but I worked several jobs in my journey of becoming one. First, I was a paramedic in Germany and then I trained to become a specialist anaesthetist and critical care doctor. I worked in a large city hospital with 1,400 beds. I also worked part-time as a self-defence teacher.”
How did you first learn about the RFDS?
“As most Germans, I used to watch the old TV show The Flying Doctors, that’s how I was first introduced.” What do you like most about working at the RFDS? “I enjoy bringing high-quality critical care medicine to the outback where there are otherwise limited resources. I also really enjoy training our doctors and flight nurses.”
What have you gained from working at the RFDS?
“The RFDS has gifted me a lot. It has exposed me to challenging clinical cases which have broadened my experience and given me the opportunity to undertake specialist training in Emergency Medicine which I didn’t have available to me before joining the service.”
What is your biggest achievement so far?
“The development and introduction of an airway management program, retrieval induction program for new doctors, and assisting the standardisation of retrieval work in Broken Hill and Dubbo. I am so proud to have been part of the development of a high-level critical care retrieval service with critical care doctors.”
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
“In my free moments, I love spending time with my beautiful wife and two children. I still like martial arts, being outdoors and going to the beach.”
