Kingsley and Chelsea Oldmeadow have chosen to raise their young family in Wongan Hills, a quiet rural town in WA’s Wheatbelt region, shaped by wide horizons and tight-knit community.
Both are professional musicians, with Kingsley working as a producer and drummer. His touring schedule often takes him away for long stretches, leaving Chelsea to manage the rhythm of family life on her own. She loves their laidback lifestyle in the town where she grew up.
Last year, their youngest son Teddy was unwell with a fever. On the same day that Kingsley returned home from months away on tour, the eight-month-old became floppy, developed a blotchy rash and his hands, feet and lips turned purple. Chelsea says it was the most frightening experience as a parent.
They rushed Teddy to the local hospital, where they spoke with a doctor via Telehealth. They were told that Teddy would need to be flown to Perth Children’s Hospital, over 200 kilometres away.
Chelsea says she gets goosebumps thinking about her baby’s reaction to the arrival of RFDS Dr Roy Morris.
“Dr Roy came off the plane and Teddy just put his arms out to him and it was like he knew that help had arrived,” she said.
“Dr Roy grabbed Teddy and walked him to the plane and Ted just looked so comfortable, safe and relaxed.”
Teddy spent five days recovering in Perth Children’s Hospital. After initially fearing he could have meningococcal disease, the family were extremely relieved when it turned out Teddy had a viral infection that he quickly recovered from.
Chelsea and Kingsley say they couldn’t live in Wongan Hills without the comfort of knowing that the RFDS is there if they need it.
“It’s essential for us living out here,” says Kingsley.
“It gives me peace of mind when I’m away, knowing if help is needed it’s there. We wouldn’t be able to live out here if we didn’t have the RFDS.”
