The staff at SA 4WD Training where invited to the South Australia headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) as part of the RFDS driver training program that we will be delivering this year. Shown around the facility by Flight Nurse Chris, it was a great opportunity to get an insight into the challenges facing staff.
Finished a couple of years ago, the new facility behind Harbour Town is very impressive. Looking more like an emergency department at a major hospital, the facility handles the transfer of all patients to Adelaide hospitals, as well as the transfer of patients from Adelaide to hospitals in other States. Aircraft maintenance is also performed at the facility. The pilots are provided the latest technology to log flight plans as well as check weather and flying conditions. There office has a great view over the runway at Adelaide Airport.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world, providing extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of 7.69 million square kilometres.
The RFDS mission is to provide excellence in aeromedical and primary health care across Australia. Something they achieve by using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology. The RFDS relies on charitable donations to keep operating and are supported by a vast number of volunteers and supporters. Remember that when you are on your 4wd adventures. Chris told us a story of how farmers will go to charity nights and bid $700 on something like a toilet roll. The logic being that they are really just paying for their yearly ambulance cover. It makes sense.
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