Graphic: Flying Doctor Day in WA
We were humbled by the support from Western Australians on Flying Doctor Day in May.
As we celebrated the 93rd anniversary of the first RFDS flight, we called on the WA community to help keep us flying into the future.
Thanks to the support of people like you, Flying Doctor Day raised more than $620,000, far exceeding our original target of $500,000.
The funds raised will be used to conduct clinical simulation training for RFDS medical crews, invest in leading technology to improve patient outcomes and purchase vital equipment to help the RFDS continue to save lives.
The incredible generosity of the WA community is already helping our clinical education team carry out critical training for our crews.
While our flight nurses and doctors are highly trained clinicians, they work in extremely challenging environments.
The Flying Doctor crews provide critical care to patients in small teams, requiring our clinicians to be highly trained and intimately familiar with our equipment and procedures.
With your support, our crews can conduct clinical training that mimics complex patient scenarios they may encounter in real life operations.
When our crews respond to an emergency, the situation can escalate quickly. Training helps ensure our staff know each procedure and where equipment is located in our aircraft, allowing our crews to focus on the patient’s needs.
No matter what emergencies our staff face, they can have the confidence to do everything required to help our patients.
Your donations also helped purchase high-tech equipment for the RFDS, the iSimulate REALITi system. This equipment is vital for conducting ongoing high-fidelity simulation training for our aeromedical doctors and flight nurses.
The technology mimics a patient monitor displaying various vital signs like heart and respiratory rates in a format identical to the equipment used by RFDS crews in real-life situations.
The REALITi system also mimics defibrillators and ventilators we use to safely transport our highest priority patients.
There is no such thing as a standard day at the RFDS. The funds raised on Flying Doctor Day help our crews provide the highest quality clinical care and ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.
Even our most experienced staff frequently find themselves in new and demanding situations that are made easier through training.
“On behalf of everyone in the Clinical Education team, thank you for your generosity on Flying Doctor Day.” Dr Andy Hooper, Head of Clinical Education said.
Your support truly helps save lives.
How we celebrated
Street Appeal
Thank you to the amazing volunteers who helped at our first Perth Street Appeal. With the help of former patients, RFDS staff, Rotarians, community and corporate volunteers, we sold our new Australian made Flying Doctor Socks in Perth City and raised awareness for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
It was great seeing everyone rocking their new Flying Doctor Socks – even WA Premier Mark McGowan.
Unique Fundraisers
As we celebrated Flying Doctor Day with the Australian community, we loved seeing the unique ways people supported us.
Goldfields company Topdrill hosted a Flying Doc Drilla-Thon, with every metre drilled during the 24-hour event resulting in a donation to the WA Flying Doctor.
Thank you to everyone in the community who helped fly us further with their own ideas to celebrate Flying Doctor Day.
Paper Plane Challenge
Across the State, schools and businesses celebrated Flying Doctor Day with a Paper
Plane Challenge, raising vital funds while testing their skills and determining who was the best pilot.
Congratulations to Flying Doctor Day Champions Westgold Resources Limited, who raised the most with
their Paper Plane Challenge.
Westgold held a Paper Plane Challenge at each of their mine sites and at head office.
On behalf of our crews and patients across Western Australia, thank you to everyone who took part in our inaugural Paper Plane Challenge.
“The Friends of the RFDS proudly celebrated 93 years of the Flying Doctor and will continue our endeavours to keep the iconic Flying Doctor in the air."
Jenny Matthews President of Friends of the RFDS – Flying Doctor Day Champions.
Thank you to everyone who celebrated our 93rd anniversary and helped raise much needed funds to keep us flying into the future.
We are so grateful to everyone who gave to our Giving Day – we loved reading your messages of support!
Contact us about how you can get involved in Flying Doctor Day in 2022 by emailing fundraise@rfdswa.com.au
