Search results

Call for airstrip owners to assist the RFDS

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Western Australia (RFDS WA) has launched an awareness campaign in regional Western Australia to improve safety for patients and crews at small airstrips.

Do you have an RFDS airstrip? Please complete the form

With so many airstrips available to us, it is crucial we maintain up-to-date information for each location.

Preparing an airstrip

Details on rural airstrip standards and also how to prepare an airstrip for a Flying Doctor landing.

Aeromedical Retrieval

aeromedical retrieval, RFDS aeromedical retrieval, RFDS bases

What it takes to join the RFDS medical team

"It's a very dynamic space to work in, where you get different patients, travel to different places every day and sometimes on different modes of transport. You deal with everything and anything.

Highway to help: Tony's story

When Tony’s vehicle rolled off the Eyre Highway in one of the most remote areas of the country, he was trapped in his car clinging to life – needing the RFDS to land on the road to airlift him to safety.

Behind the scenes on an RFDS outback mission

Have you ever wondered what a Flying Doctor mission in the outback looks like? Get a unique behind-the-scenes perspective as we follow young patient Tyler’s journey with the RFDS.

A breath of good fortune: Ron's story

For avid traveler Ron Wilson, hitting the road and heading out bush in his caravan is the ultimate bliss. But this time last year, he almost didn’t make it home.

Packsaddle community equipped for emergency

RFDSSE fleet is dedicated to reaching the most remote locations

The RFDSSE fleet is dedicated to reaching the most remote locations.

$1.2M donation supports RFDS’s best-in-class pilot training and recruitment

Every day across rural and remote NSW, the pilots of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) demonstrate extraordinary skill and dedication as they support the delivery of life-saving and critical care to Australia’s most remote communities.

Flying Doctor celebrates birthday with Local Heroes

Celebrating 88 years, the Flying Doctor gives thanks to the invisible army of volunteers who tirelessly support the Service.

A life changing career

RFDS Senior Pilot Sam Love, his wife Chantel, and their five children took the leap and moved to Australia from New Zealand in search for a lifestyle change.

A dream come true

For Abi Donaldson, becoming a flight nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) was not just a career move; it was an opportunity to support those closest to her heart.

Aeromedical Retrieval for Stroke in Australia

RFDS Research shows rural, remote, and Indigenous stroke patients have worse stroke outcomes than urban Australians. This may be due to lack of timely access to expert facilities.

Our Fleet

Learn more about our realiable and versatile fleet of aircraft located across the South Eastern section.

Local Hero Awards

RFDS Local Hero Awards

Travelling Outback

Vital things you need to know if you are embarking on a journey in remote Australia, including what to take, what to do in an emergency, and more.

Far West Extreme Wet Weather Response

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is here for our Far West communities as this significant wet weather continues. We know many people are dealing with difficult conditions, and we want to reassure everyone that we’re doing everything we can to keep healthcare accessible and reliable.

Where challenge meets heart

Seeking something different, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) Mount Isa nurse manager, Jamie-Lee McCall, swapped the bustle of Brisbane for a new challenge in Queensland's furthest corner, and she hasn’t looked back.

John Flynn Biography

A concise biography on the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Reverend John Flynn. An Australian Icon.

New emergency airstrip takes off in Far North Queensland

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of strengthening disaster resilience in Far North Queensland, with construction now underway on a new emergency airstrip at Dunbar on the Burke Developmental Road.

Outback Queensland town becomes first to trial emergency airstrip lanterns for RFDS

From above, Eulo looks as if it simply doesn't exist — a cluster of small buildings barely visible from the air, swallowed up by red dirt and mulga trees.

Care from head to toe: Allied health on the fly

Thrown through the wash: Jason's story

Paramedic turned patient: Sonia's story

Paramedic turned RFDS patient Sonia's Strong was airlifted by RFDS SA/NT.

Donate now and help keep the Flying Doctor flying

Paramedic turned RFDS patient Sonia's Strong was airlifted by RFDS SA/NT.

Paramedic turned patient: Sonia's story

Paramedic turned RFDS patient Sonia's Strong was airlifted by RFDS SA/NT.

Grazier lucky to be alive after high-speed crash on remote station

The boys strapped me onto an old shearing bed and put me on the back of the utility and we made our way to the nearest registered airstrip to meet the RFDS plane. Those are just the things you have to do out here if you’ve got nothing on hand.

RFDS pilot first woman in the Southern Hemisphere to command the Pilatus PC-24 jet

RFDS Western Operations pilot Lisa Roper-Campbell is the first woman in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to command the world-first for aero medical service Pilatus PC-24 jet.

Primary Health in Koorabye

Broome-based RFDS pilot Bryn James says it is a privilege to be able to assist the people of Koorabye in the Kimberley through our primary healthcare clinics.

Trailblazer in flight: WA Flying Doctor Brian Collings retires

After supporting regional and remote communities across WA for nearly 15-and-a-half years, Flying Doctor Brian Collings retires.

After school excursion for Djugerari Kids in remote WA

School's out for Djugerari Remote Community School students Cecilia and Kyle who score the opportunity to tour the RFDS' workhorse - the PC-12 turboprop aircraft and meet with crew.

Flying Doctor gorge rescue in the remote Kimberley

The Flying Doctor in WA was involved in an extraordinary and coordinated rescue of a 26-year-old woman who was stranded from her injuries following a fall while hiking on a remote gorge in the Kimberley.

From the frontline: Preparing for take-off

Colin works at the RFDS' 24-hour Coordination Centre at Jandakot Airport. He gives us some insight into some behind-the-scenes action which takes place from the call for help to take-off.

Celebrating the women of the Flying Doctor

Happy International Women's Day! The Flying Doctor in WA is celebrating the day by recognising the tremendous efforts of the women of the Flying Doctor who #choosetochallenge themselves on the frontline and behind-the-scenes to benefit the health outcomes of all who live, work and travel across WA.

WA Flying Doctor's first remote vaccination operation a success

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Western Australia is proud to have completed its first remote COVID-19 vaccination operation across the Goldfields-Esperance region.

WA Flying Doctor logistican set to retire after 33 years of service

Celebrating 33 years of service to regional and remote Western Australia is RFDS logistician Robin Emmett.

Meet RFDS WA nurse and midwife Brooke Maloney

“You are safe, your baby is safe and we are all in this together." These are the reassuring words of RFDS WA flight nurse and midwife Brooke Maloney who flew in to a remote country hospital from Perth to help a woman in premature labour.

RFDS supports flooded Kimberley communities

The Regional Operations Centre: Where it all begins

The crew in the Regional Operations Centre make crucial decisions every day to ensure the smooth retrieval of patients. Coordinating nearly 30 patient transfers daily across the state requires quick thinking and expertise.

A first for the RFDS

In May, a crew carried out the first aeromedical transfer from a remote fishing community on the Abrolhos Islands, 60km west of Geraldton.

Operation Mitchell Plateau

It was a team effort when the RFDS was called to retrieve a woman who broke her leg hiking in one of WA’s most hard-to-reach locations.

Gus' Story: Double trouble in the Wheatbelt

Just before Christmas last year, a fire tore through Clint and Erin McPherson’s farm at Gillingarra, south of Moora.

Trip of a lifetime takes a turn

Retirees David and Liz had set off from Melbourne with a plan to drive around Australia. Exploring the Aboriginal rock art in Wunnamurra Gorge, Liz slipped on some rocks and heard a crack - her ankle was broken.

Launceston Doctors outback adventure

“The RFDS was very much part of our lives”

Adventure turned into tragedy at Dolerite Gorge

The only thing Skrollan remembers as she fell into the gorge was hurting her rib cage, seeing the floor getting closer - then she hit the back of her head on a sharp stone.

60 years since RFDS took flight in Tasmania

Brian Scanlon joined the St John’s Ambulance Service cadets in Hobart when he was 11 years old and little did he know that he would go on to play a part in a historic event for Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania when it made its first official flight on September 14, 1960.

Flying Doctor doubles its jet power

Generations of care

While many Australians have had a personal Flying Doctor encounter, Amber Driver concedes she has a few more stories than most.

RFDS powers the Territory with purpose-built aeromedical jet

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Central Operations has unveiled its $14 million purpose-built aeromedical jet dedicated to improving and saving the lives of all Territorians.

A narrow escape on the Nullarbor

Chris Franks is lucky to be alive after he rolled his vehicle near Cook, South Australia. Flight Nurse Cameron Sims tells his story.

Senex $1m support to Royal Flying Doctor Service

Senex Energy has extended its total commitment to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Central Operations to $1 million with a further three-year major sponsorship.

Senex gives one million reasons to celebrate

Valued corporate partner Senex Energy has extended its support for the RFDS Central Operations to $1 million with a further three-year major sponsorship.

Outback Ordeal

Young Jackeroo Tommy was struck down by illness and was a very long way from the help he needed.

Remote airstrips made safer with new landing rules

Remote airstrips are being made safer with new landing rules issued by the RFDS. Watch our video explaining the procedures.

JULY: Doubling our jet power

The RFDS welcomes its latest addition to the fleet, unveiling a $14 million purpose-built aeromedical jet dedicated to improving and saving the lives of all Territorians.

Remote rescue

Amber Driver was shocked by news that no mother ever wants to hear. “Sonny’s come off his bike. He’s really hurt!”

Shirley's Sliding Door

"When her first cardiac arrest happened it was well and truly out of the blue.”

World turned upside down

It's every parent's nightmare – arriving at an accident scene to discover one of your children unconscious. That’s exactly what happened to Karina.

Badly broken, barely breathing: Phil's story

When Phil Eley’s motorbike adventure went horribly wrong in the middle of outback Australia, his friends at the scene feared the worst.

RFDS Central Operations welcomes new board members

The RFDS Central Operations recently appointed 2022 NT Australian of the Year Leanne Liddle and aviation expert Geoff Roberts to its Board.

RFDS veteran bids farewell after 34 years: Q&A with Captain Ray Mundy

After more than 30 years of delivering aeromedical services to outback Australians, RFDS Central Operations’ longest-serving pilot Ray Mundy has hung up his hat.

Explorer's narrow escape: Stefan's story

After being airlifted to safety by the Flying Doctor, Adelaide retiree Stefan Kosak was told by surgeons that he was just “one millimetre off dead.” Read Stefan's story.

Out of breath, out of nowhere: Shannon's story

Gasping for air. Down on all fours. Shannon was clinging to life in one of the most isolated places in the world.

In hot water: Louis' story

When a quiet day out on an outback lake went terribly wrong, Louis was left clutching his lifeless leg, calling out to mates for help. That's when they called the RFDS.

When ritual meets rescue: Robert's story

During a cultural ceremony in outback South Australia, Robert was struck by a sudden illness, sparking deep concern among family and friends. In need of urgent medical help, he was hundreds of kilometres from the nearest major hospital.

Australian-first virtual emergency centre to help save lives in the outback

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has opened its state-of-the-art health hub in the South Australian outback tourism town of William Creek that provides 24/7 emergency medical help with no health professionals physically on the ground.

Protecting a special pocket of Australia: Health care meets conservation

Stationed at the intersection of Australia’s three central deserts, the challenges of accessing health care loom large for Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary managers, couple Luke Playford and Dr Annemarie van Doorn.

Paramedic turned patient: Sonia's story

For experienced paramedic Sonia Strong, finding herself in the back of an ambulance was an unnerving role reversal.

Brought back to life... twice: Colleen's story

Richard Elliott thought he’d lost the love of his life when his partner Colleen Pickering’s heart stopped not once, but twice, in the middle of the night – in the middle of the outback.

How a flying school bus started it all for RFDS Engineer Doug Briggs

Veteran aircraft engineer Doug Briggs is celebrating 25 years of service for the Flying Doctor, 19 of which have been in Alice Springs.

Young ringer’s race for help: Amy’s story

When a bloodied and bruised Amy Kynoch regained consciousness in the back of a speeding truck, she realised her ‘typical’ day at work had taken a disastrous turn. Read more.

An outback nightmare: Lil's story

With blood splayed across the white tiles of her bathroom, Lil’s family and friends arrived to what looked like a scene from a horror movie.

From hike to heartbreak: Lyn’s story

It wasn’t until after safely completing a popular Northern Territory hiking trail that a Melbourne tourist found herself walking on the edge.

Beyond the screen: Meet the real RFDS team

If you’ve watched the RFDS TV series, you may have noticed our Port Augusta Base as a filming location. Meet our real-life team minus the TV drama.

Badly injured and in the middle of nowhere

Earlier this year, a 26-year-old woman named Skrollan was hiking with friends at Dolerite Gorge in the Kimberley. One second, she was having the time of her life, the next she was lying on rocks at the bottom of the gorge, in terrible pain and unable to move.

Royal couple lights up RFDS Dubbo Base

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the RFDS Dubbo Base and revealed the name of the new aircraft. Read all about the exciting day here...

Courtney's Story

“You don’t realise how remote it is out there until you need help. It was spectacular to watch the Flying Doctor in action.”

Message from South Eastern President Ruth Sandow

Ruth Sandow, RFDS SE President,

Celebrating Our Nurses

Amy's Story

Midnight Rescue

Max's Story

Four new RFDS aircraft take to the skies above regional NSW

Volunteers at Wiawera keeping their communities healthy

On hand for baby Henry

Ange MacAlpine’s young son had a serious illness, and needed to get skilled medical attention - fast

Launch of RFDS TV series

RFDS depicts the passion and dedication of the Flying Doctor.

Twists of fate in the corner of the state

With broken ribs and two punctured lungs, Wayne needed the Flying Doctor fast.

Behind the aircraft

Behind every Flying Doctor aircraft there are a team of pilots and engineers who ensure our fleet is in the safest working order before take-off.

Out of breath, out of nowhere: Shannon's story

Out of breath, out of nowhere: Shannon's story

Above and beyond: The Flight Nurses of the outback

For nearly a century, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has brought critical care throughout the bush, bolstered by a team of Flight Nurses - highly skilled, unshakable under pressure, and dedicated to delivering care where it’s needed most.

Serving NSW for 90 years: Saving lives in the bush and billions for the healthcare system

At Parliament House on 18 March 2026, the Royal Flying Doctor Service commemorated nine decades of service to 1.8 million people across 80 locations in rural and remote NSW and appealed to keep the Flying Doctor flying.

Roy's Ride - 1300km for the Flying Doctor

When Roy Butler heard about our Lighting the Way Flare Tour, not only did he offer a message of support for our legacy in NSW, but he also offered his time, a motorbike and three days on the road advocating for remote and regional communities.

Prepared to Take-off for 90 Years in NSW: Flying Doctor Day 2026

Flying Doctor Day on Sunday 17 May celebrates the anniversary of the first ever RFDS flight in 1928. It’s an annual event we mark as a reminder of just how far our impact has deepened throughout rural and remote communities over the years.

From urgent care to long-term recovery, you are helping Bella every step of the way

When Bella needed urgent assistance for a serious knee injury, it was because you care that help arrived within the hour.

Kaleb's story

Kaleb was just 10 days old when his heart started to fail. He needed emergency heart surgery to survive. But he was stranded with his mother Lori, as their isolated hometown was surrounded by flood waters.

Smooth landings in Flying Doctor’s future

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) has welcomed the Federal Government’s latest round of funding to upgrade crucial, remote airstrips throughout Australia.

RFDS Local Hero Award Recipients Announced

The hidden heroes behind the Flying Doctor have been honoured.

Four-year-old Tessa bitten by a king brown snake

Four-year-old Tessa Wochnik is lucky to be alive after she was bitten by one of Australia’s deadliest snakes at her family’s remote cattle station.