The flying doctor: An Australian icon
AUSTRALIA Day – a day to celebrate the best things about being an Australian: lamingtons, thongs, hills hoists, kangaroos, and of course, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
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The RFDS was founded over 80 years ago, and has grown to become an Australian icon – as recognisable in Australia as barbeques and backyard cricket.
But while most Aussies know of the RFDS, they might not be familiar with the organisation’s life-saving work. So here’s a little look at the Flying Doctor’s vital stats:
- The RFDS is the largest, most comprehensive aeromedical service in the world, covering more than 80 per cent of Australia.
- The RFDS provides 24 hour medical assistance for people who live, work and travel in rural and remote Australia.
- No patient in Australia is more than two hours away from the RFDS’ help.
- The RFDS started as an emergency rescue operation in 1928 and was founded by the Rev John Flynn who wanted to throw a ‘mantle of safety’ over Australia.
- The inaugural Flying Doctor flight was conducted by a chartered aircraft of another great Aussie aviation icon, Qantas.
- The RFDS has since grown into a comprehensive medical service, providing emergency and primary health care services (including emergency retrievals, remote consultations, GP clinics, dental services, mental health work, nursing and allied health services, primary healthcare and medical student training).
- Today, the Flying Doctor has 21 bases, 53 aircraft and over 960 staff.
- In one year alone, RFDS pilots across Australia fly over 23 million kilometres - the equivalent of flying to the moon and back every fortnight.
- RFDS doctors and flight nurses treat over 270,000 patients nationally per year – that’s an average of one patient every two minutes.
So this Australia Day, help this great Aussie icon by making a valued donation. Call 1800 444 788 or visit www.flyingdoctor.org.au and help the Flying Doctor stay in the air and saving lives.
